15

Ensure adequate counselling support for victims submitting statements to Mental Health Tribunals.

Recommendation
We support the Government’s proposal to give a victim of a mentally disordered offender the right to submit a Victim Personal Statement to a Mental Health Tribunal. We recognise that there are particular sensitivities in the Mental Health Tribunal which differ from those in the prison and parole system, not least that a person who has been sectioned is deemed to lack capacity for their actions. In introducing this entitlement the Government must be mindful of the potential for retraumatisation, and the creation of unrealistic expectations if victims believe that their views might influence the tribunal’s decision. The Government should ensure that adequate counselling support is in place before rolling out this measure.
Paragraph Reference
52
Government Response

A response document is linked to this report, dated 19 January 2023. Response attribution to this recommendation has not been verified. Read the response document.

Addressee Bodies
Ministry of Justice
Timeline
Recommendation age 4.0 yrs
Report published 30 Sep 2022