Individual Victims of Crime

A victim of crime suffers not only injury or financial loss. The consequences of a crime may also be grief, fear and devastating loss of self-confidence and trust in others. Victims want to know that neither they nor anyone else will undergo a similar experience again. They expect to receive protection from the Criminal Justice System, to be kept informed of an investigation or prosecution, and to be treated fairly..

There are, sadly, too many cases where the system lets a victim down. Financial crimes are often dismissed as civil disputes, even though the dishonesty of the perpetrator is beyond doubt. The authorities may apply a cost benefit test which leaves a victim out in the cold. Domestic violence and inter-familial fraud are often treated similarly. If the offender is themselves in a position of authority it can be very hard indeed to get the police to act.

Not surprisingly, there are some victims who fear to seek help from the Criminal Justice System. In the worst cases it is the victim who finds themselves under investigation.

In all these circumstances this firm has stepped in to help. Where there is failure to act, we help build a case for intervention by the relevant agency – be it the police, the Probation Service, social services or the local council. If there has been discrimination we challenge it. If failings by an agent of the State – the police, the Prison Service, the Probation Service, the Parole Board or the courts have contributed to loss or damage we have successfully sought damages to compensate. We have also fought successfully for inquests and public inquiries to provide proper answers for bereaved families. Our work helps victims hold the Criminal Justice System to proper standards of accountability.