Source · Select Committees · Home Affairs Committee
Recommendation 67
67
Deferred
Paragraph: 201
Reinstate or establish multi-agency quality assurance process for the Home Office.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Home Office either reinstate the multi-agency assurance process or establish a similar quality assurance process.
Government Response Summary
The government's response acknowledges the importance of victim support for engaging with the criminal justice system and describes existing support provided to adult victims via the MSVCC and to child victims, without addressing the recommendation for a multi-agency quality assurance process.
Paragraph Reference:
201
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
68. The Government recognises the importance of supporting victims to engage with the criminal justice system and the positive impact an independent support worker can have on securing this engagement. Victims of modern slavery are understandably traumatised from their experiences and may not want to engage with the police. They may not recognise themselves as a victim or may fear the authorities or their exploiter. Yet obtaining victim testimony is often so critical in securing modern slavery prosecutions. All adult victims supported by the MSVCC have a support worker who will provide them advice and support to access legal aid, legal advice and legal representation, and assistance during criminal proceedings, including Special Measures available under the Victim’s Code should they wish to support the police in criminal investigations. Child victims supported by local authorities and Independent Child Trafficking Guardians receive similar support.