Absolute solidarity with Claire Waxman who has dedicated her life to improving things in a broken system for victims. She must be so tired, being a victim of crime is tiring and draining. https://t.co/QRErOrN0xd
Minnesota National Guard was asked why they’re handing out coffee, donuts, and hot chocolate to protesters.
Answer: “It’s a demonstration of safety and security. We’re here to help.”
That’s how you de-escalate.
Not masks. Not threats. Not bullets.
This is amazing.
MN's National Guard has arrived and are distributing donuts, coffee and hot chocolate to anti-ice protestors.
They're wearing reflective vests so protestors know they're not Trump Troopers.
A huge win for our @OpenJustice4All campaign!!
This began with brave survivors who spoke out and shared their experiences with me to show why change was needed. Their voices have made the difference. All victims will now be able to access sentencing remarks for free.
@kirkkorner Congrats on the new job Tristan. You've done such amazing reporting which has made a huge difference to victims. Looking forward to that continuing in the new role!
It has been the honour of a lifetime to serve as London's Victims Commissioner, and on my final day I want to thank everyone who has enabled this role to have such an impact. You can read my final statement below and newsletter here: https://t.co/ogsLfOzppq
A brilliant evening chairing a panel discussion after screening Prima Facie. Panellists called for an end to using victims' "bad character” evidence and examined whether jury-less trials could reduce agonising delays. Rape victims are being failed, and reform is long overdue.
I'm deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales - Baroness Helen Newlove. My thoughts are with her family and all her loved ones at this difficult time 🖤
Wonderful to meet again with Roland Weber in his dual roles as Berlin Victims Commissioner and Federal Commissioner for Victims of Terrorism. Important discussion following the Manchester terrorist attack - sharing best practice on access to compensation and support for victims.
UPDATE:
Everyone at CST is utterly appalled by the attack at Heaton Park Synagogue this morning and we are devastated by the news that two people were killed and three others seriously injured by the attacker. Our thoughts are with those directly affected, their families and the wider community. That this occurred on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish year, only emphasises the shocking impact it will have on the Jewish community. We want to pay tribute to the security guards at the synagogue and the police officers who responded so swiftly to the attack.
CST is working closely with police in Manchester and across the country to ensure security at synagogues, and in the wider Jewish community, is as strong as it can be over the coming days and weeks. Everyone attending synagogue or any other Jewish premises must follow all instructions from security guards and police officers. In particular, we urge people not to congregate outside communal premises and synagogues to keep their doors closed at all times.
This kind of attack is the reason why we have such extensive security in place across the Jewish community, and we thank all CST volunteers, security guards, and police officers who play their part in protecting our community from terrorism and antisemitism
Tonight's @BBCPanorama is deeply concerning, and will no doubt make for distressing viewing. It is clear the toxic culture in policing is far from gone, and far more needs to be done to address this. My full statement and links to resources ⬇️
It's a true honour and privilege to be appointed the next Victims Commissioner for England and Wales. I look forward to continuing to champion the voice of victims, survivors and bereaved families to help drive the progress victims in this country deserve.
https://t.co/uIYGPjgzis
🚨 Important to be aware that Government are testing the emergency alert system on 7th September. If you are a victim of domestic abuse with a hidden device, follow the steps to keep yourself safe:
https://t.co/4IWZHHDoBw
Having served on the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, I can tell you that state control of historical narrative is a bright red line. The WH directive for the Smithsonian to "align messaging" with a political task force is a sanitized term for creating a ministry of truth. This is how democratic erosion accelerates. We must not be silent.
Earlier this month, Quindim and I met with our MP - @sarahjolney1, where she gave us a printed copy of the moment where the campaign from the @OpenJustice4All became law.
Back in 2022, I was told I would have to pay £7.5k if I wanted to gain access to the court transcripts of my rapist's trial.
A year passed, and I still felt stuck, as though an important part of my past was missing, as I had very little recollection of what was said during those traumatic 10 days of trial. It was all just a mysterious fog to me. How was I supposed to heal if I didn't remember what happened?
As Sarah Olney’s constituent, I wrote to her back in July 2023, asking for her help in obtaining trial transcripts.
Like Sarah, most people had no idea of the hurdles survivors have to overcome in order to gain an understanding of what was said during the trial.
The amazing @LDNVictimsComm & team connected a group of people who had the same goal: a more transparent and accessible justice system for victims and their loved ones. Without their work behind closed doors, none of it would've been possible.
The task was huge, and if it wasn't for @charlottschreu unwavering drive and strength, the campaigners who bravely shared their stories and why open justice is needed, MPs like Sarah who pushed for change, we wouldn't have achieved the following:
- Free transcripts of the judge's sentencing remarks for all victims of rape and serious sexual assault; and
- Clear CPS guidance stating that it's the victim/survivor's right to stay and watch the trial after giving evidence.
Our work here is far from done as we still have a long way to go when it comes to open justice. Most victims/survivors have not secured a conviction and are still left in the dark without knowing why.
But for now, let us celebrate and be grateful to all of those involved who have pushed for this big step in the right direction!!!!
Thank you, Sarah, for your commitment to this cause.
@juterlizzi@jadeblueLDN@LDNVictimsComm Jokes aside, we wouldn't have got here without all your hard work. It's been a privilege to work on this and such a joyous moment to get a win! Lots more to do now!