Women’s Aid responds to the Victims’ Commissioner’s formal complaint following an evidence session in Westminster

Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, comments:  

“Having been witness to the recent evidence session given in Parliament with the aim of informing and shaping the Courts and Tribunals Bill, I was left feeling disappointed on behalf of survivors. Of course, parliamentary debate, robust questioning and evidence gathering is absolutely essential when it comes to informing legislation, yet receiving testimony and evidence on this subject, with survivors present in the room, requires a different and trauma-informed approach.  

“Survivor voices and experiences are absolutely essential if we are to create a criminal justice system that is survivor-centred and delivers the justice it promises. However, when survivor evidence is given it must be received with care, compassion and above all, respect. I felt that the evidence sessions I attended did not consistently achieve these standards of care, leaving survivors feeling disheartened and in some cases, retraumatised.  

I urge the parliamentarians to ensure that all those who work with, and engage with survivors, receive specialist training, to understand the impact that crimes like domestic abuse have on women and children, and how discussing these experiences can make them feel. Survivor voices are invaluable and must be treated with the care and respect that their bravery deserves.”