Ministry of Justice UK

Warning: this post contains discussions of child abuse. Kim wrote about her abuse in her diary when she was 13. Among the pages detailing trips to the shops with friends and visits to the cinema was her first disclosure. She was being abused. Kim spoke to her mum about what was happening when she was 14, and then the police, who helped start the recovery process. Watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/etGbMJ-E

🎉This #ProbationDay, we’re taking a trip down memory lane to highlight some of the service’s history. 📅 On this day in 1907, Royal Assent was given to the Probation of Offenders Act. But did you know, dedicated volunteers were already working with those sentenced by the courts as early as the late 1800s? ❌ By 1918 and with youth crime increasing during and after the First World War, the Home Office decided that probation work should not be left to charitable organisations and local magistrates, and that state direction was needed. ✅ The Criminal Justice Act of 1925 expanded the role of probation officers and made probation a mandatory consideration in certain cases. 🚪 The main house at Windyridge probation hostel (now known as Approved Premises), opened in 1939 to rehabilitate young men. 💪 After World War II, the Probation Service expanded significantly. The Criminal Justice Act of 1948 further solidified probation as a central aspect of the criminal justice system, promoting rehabilitation over punishment. 🧑 In 1973 Community Payback was introduced, meaning offenders could undertake unpaid work for the community as an alternative to custody. 👐 Today, the Probation Service continues to play a vital role in keeping communities and victims safe. Thank you to all our probation staff for the incredible work you do every day to reduce reoffending, protect the public and change lives.

It was a pleasure to host the Minister for Victims & Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, at Bristol Crown Court today. During her visit, she toured the facilities, engaged with our dedicated court staff, and learned about our Resident Judge's initiative to expedite Rape and Serious Sexual Offence (RASSO) cases. This focused approach is a vital step towards improving access to justice and supporting victims through a more efficient legal process.

“It has left us heartbroken.” In the aftermath of the violent disorder last week, the community of Tamworth has come together to clean up the streets and support each other. Minister for Victims and VAWG Alex Davies-Jones met with local group Community Together to hear first-hand the impact the events of the past few weeks has had on the town.

Threats to legal professionals will be met with swift justice.

Today we’re honouring the unique and historic ties between the UK and the island of Sark. The flag of Sark is flying proudly over MoJ HQ, marking the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth I granting the Fiefdom of Sark to the first Seigneur in 1565.

The worst killers shouldn't enjoy life moments taken from their victims. Murderers serving whole life orders will no longer have the right to get married behind bars, due to a new law coming into force today. This ensures we treat their vile crimes with the deserved severity and helps give victims the protection they deserve. Read more: https://lnkd.in/e4sZmY_9

The Lord Chancellor Shabana Mahmood visited Snaresbrook Crown Court, to hear firsthand about the vital work its staff do to deliver justice. Listening to our staff informs and shapes our work. In Snaresbrook, this has led to additional training for staff who work with victims, new comfort and privacy measures, and improvements to how victims give evidence by video. These are all part of a new project aiming to improve the victim experience in court.

This week, Minister Davies-Jones met with the London Victims’ Commissioner, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and the Children’s Commissioner for England to address the vital work needed to improve support for victims of crime. They discussed key issues such as tackling violence against women and girls, and supporting victims of domestic abuse and child victims.

The recent tragedy in Southport is a reminder of the vital need for services for victims of violence against women and girls.   Victims and VAWG Minister Alex Davies-Jones met with Victim Support to discuss how support services can be strengthened.   Here’s how she’s advocating for victims 👇