03/28/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Police and Crime Commissioner holds the Force to account in review of victim withdrawal in Dyfed Powys

DYFED-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn, has conducted a review of the prevalence and factors affecting victim withdrawal and has made a number of recommendations to ensure delivery of the best possible service to victims within Dyfed Powys.

The full report on the review of victim withdrawal will be shared with local Police and Crime Panel members at their public meeting today, 21st February 2020.

Sparked by an apparent rise in victims withdrawing support for investigations into domestic and sexual crimes, individual cases highlighted to the Commissioner and his responsibility to act as the voice of victims, the review scrutinised the findings from a number of previous reports on the subject and presented feedback received from victims.

Over 80% of victims who withdrew their support for an investigation still reported being satisfied with their overall experience but it is vital that these victims are able to access the appropriate support to help them cope and recover from the impact of the crime.

Whilst victims are clearly a priority for Dyfed Powys Police, there are some concerns regarding the consistency and accuracy of the data used to inform action planning. There is duplication in the contact being made with victims and a lack of awareness of the support services available.

A series of recommendations have been accepted by the Chief Constable, Mark Collins, who has detailed the Force’s planned course of action in a formal response to the Commissioner. The Commissioner’s office will use this action plan to review the Force’s progress over the coming months.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Dafydd Llywelyn said:
“I have been encouraged by the Force’s response to my office undertaking this work and thank all those who contributed honestly and thoroughly to the review. Victims are at the heart of everything we do and it is vital that their voices are heard and that we provide a service that is tailored to their needs. My office will be continuing to promote a variety of ways in which victims can share their experience and provide feedback regarding how services could be improved. I would encourage anyone who has experienced our services to use these opportunities to help us shape future provision.”

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