We have been setup by people who have first-hand experience of serious crimes, often losing loved ones, and who want the criminal justice system to focus more on victims and their families and for sentencing policy to deliver proper punishment of the worst offenders. We are raising money to help setup Justice for Victims as a campaign group. The funding will be used to help us travel to meetings with MPs and others, get help writing submissions to official consultations, run campaigns and to provide advice and support to other victims of crime dissatisfied with the sentences in their cases.
Katie Brett (whose 16 year old sister was raped and stabbed more than 100 times by her killer), Ayse Hussein (whose cousin was killed by a serial sex offender who stored her body in a freezer), Paula Hudgell (who campaigns on behalf of her adopted son Tony who lost his lower legs as a result of child cruelty),and Becky & Glen Youens (whose 4 year old daughter Violet Grace was killed by a dangerous driver who spent barely more time in prison than their daughter was alive) have come together to say with one voice that it is time for change. It is time for us to start ensuring sentences truly deliver justice for victims and their families.
“I have seen so many cases of child abusers that don’t get a punishment that fits the crime. Let alone child murderers – they shouldn’t get out of prison in my view.” Paula Hudgell OBE
“We have to start listening to the views of all victims and the public on what justice means. We aren’t getting justice often enough so listen, learn and treat us all the same.” Ayse Hussein
“My sister had decades of life ahead of her. Surely if you take a life the starting point should be spending the rest of your life in prison? That’s what we wanted as a family and what would have been respectful of my sister’s memory.” Katie Brett
“Yesterday was the eighth anniversary of Violet-Grace’s tragic death and we find ourselves still fighting for justice. Violet-Grace was in the right place at the right time—it was her killers who were in the wrong place.” Glenn & Becky Youens
The group forms amid ongoing public concern about serious criminals escaping proper punishment. As well as launching an appeal for public support the group is meeting with cross party MPs and the group wants to work with MPs of all parties on behalf of all victims and their families.