Voice UK: promoting justice for vulnerable victims of crime
| Date | 01 August 2007 |
| Published date | 01 August 2007 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14668203200700021 |
| Pages | 47-48 |
| Author | Robin Van den Hende |
| Subject Matter | Health & social care,Sociology |
The Journal of Adult Protection Volume 9 Issue 3 • August 2007 © Pavilion Publishing (Journals) Limited 47
VOICE UK
Email: voice@voiceuk.org.uk
Web: www.voiceuk.org.uk
Tel: 01332 295775
VOICE UK is a national charity that supports people with
learning disabilities, and other vulnerable people, who have
experienced crime or abuse. We also support people who are
vulnerable to abuse as well as supporting their families, carers
and professional workers. Our advice, services and
campaigning aim to give vulnerable victims a voice and to
prevent abuse occurring.
VOICE UK was set up in 1992 by the parents of a woman
with severe learning disabilities who was sexually abused by a
care worker in group housing. This woman was believed by
her parents, carers and police when she told them how she
had been raped, sexually abused and threatened. However,
prosecutors considered her to be ‘too handicapped’ and
therefore unreliable as a witness.
Her parents and many others did not accept this decision
and fought to have her case heard. This fight was not only
successful, but secured for the victim special measures in the
court room to enable her to give evidence. A screen meant she
did not have to look at the person who had abused her and the
judge agreed to remove his wig so as not to frighten her. The
result was a guilty verdict and a prison sentence.
This case highlighted both the flaws in current practice
and what could be achieved if vulnerable victims were
appropriately assisted during the criminal justice process. It
spurred the creation of VOICE UK dedicated to providing
vulnerable people with a voice in the criminal justice process.
This is an aim that has continued as VOICE UK campaigns to
raise awareness of the abuse of vulnerable people and to
change practice and law.
Robin Van den Hende
Policy and Campaigns Officer
Organisational profile
To continue reading
Request your trial