Amend Victims Right to Review Policy
Amend Victims Right to Review Policy
The Issue
In a frustrating and distressing twist of justice, my case of coercive control was abruptly dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Yet, the nightmare extends as the defendant continues to face charges of breaching a non-molestation order involving the same victim - me. You can imagine the disappointment and helplessness I feel knowing that, despite this ongoing legal battle, I am left without the opportunity to challenge the decision to drop such a significant charge. This is due to a glaring loophole in the current Victims Right to Review (VRR) policy.
Under the present guidelines, if CPS dismisses one of the charges but another charge against the same victim remains, victims like myself are ineligible to request a Victims Right to Review. This policy is both unfair and unjust, leaving victims in limbo and diminishing their voices. Victims deserve a system that hears them and allows for a complete review of all dropped charges, providing a sense of closure and justice that every victim is entitled to.
Statistics demonstrate that coercive control is a pervasive issue, with thousands of victims affected each year. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), domestic abuse-related crimes in England and Wales recorded by the police reached 845,734 in the year ending March 2020. Among these, coercive control is a significant component, representing the psychological abuse and manipulation exerted to dominate victims. Dropping charges without a chance for a systematic review fails to recognize the severity and unique nature of such crimes.
The solution is clear: amend the Victims Right to Review policy. The policy should be reviewed to ensure that victims have the right to a review if any of their charges are dropped, even if other charges remain in proceedings. Such an amendment will provide a vital mechanism for ensuring that victims' voices are heard and that justice is comprehensively pursued.
It's time for change. By signing this petition, you can help bring about a system where all victims are given the opportunity for justice and review. Stand with us to amend the VRR policy and take a step towards a more just legal system.
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The Issue
In a frustrating and distressing twist of justice, my case of coercive control was abruptly dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Yet, the nightmare extends as the defendant continues to face charges of breaching a non-molestation order involving the same victim - me. You can imagine the disappointment and helplessness I feel knowing that, despite this ongoing legal battle, I am left without the opportunity to challenge the decision to drop such a significant charge. This is due to a glaring loophole in the current Victims Right to Review (VRR) policy.
Under the present guidelines, if CPS dismisses one of the charges but another charge against the same victim remains, victims like myself are ineligible to request a Victims Right to Review. This policy is both unfair and unjust, leaving victims in limbo and diminishing their voices. Victims deserve a system that hears them and allows for a complete review of all dropped charges, providing a sense of closure and justice that every victim is entitled to.
Statistics demonstrate that coercive control is a pervasive issue, with thousands of victims affected each year. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), domestic abuse-related crimes in England and Wales recorded by the police reached 845,734 in the year ending March 2020. Among these, coercive control is a significant component, representing the psychological abuse and manipulation exerted to dominate victims. Dropping charges without a chance for a systematic review fails to recognize the severity and unique nature of such crimes.
The solution is clear: amend the Victims Right to Review policy. The policy should be reviewed to ensure that victims have the right to a review if any of their charges are dropped, even if other charges remain in proceedings. Such an amendment will provide a vital mechanism for ensuring that victims' voices are heard and that justice is comprehensively pursued.
It's time for change. By signing this petition, you can help bring about a system where all victims are given the opportunity for justice and review. Stand with us to amend the VRR policy and take a step towards a more just legal system.
The Decision Makers
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Petition created on 3 September 2025