Ann Craft Trust
ACTing Against the Abuse of Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities

Ann Craft Trust Statement on House of Commons Justice Committee Report

The Speaking Up For Justice report (1998), and the subsequent introduction of special measures to assist vulnerable victims and witnesses in court recognised the difficulty that had previously existed for people with learning disabilities to access justice.  But concerns were raised in the House of Commons Justice Committee report published last week about inconsistencies nationally in the way that vulnerable victims and witnesses are treated.  Additionally a lack of resources to fully implement these initiatives show that there is a long way to go to achieve equal access to justice for people with learning disabilities and those with mental health needs. 

Deborah Kitson, CEO at the Ann Craft Trust, comments ‘there had been a real sense of moving forward when these initiatives were introduced as they showed at last a recognition of the rights of all people to be able to access justice.  It is disappointing that vulnerable victims and witnesses continue to face barriers to justice at every stage of the criminal justice process’.

The Ann Craft Trust welcomes the statement and the launch of the two new policies from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and the recognition that these vulnerable witnesses should have equal access to justice.  However it is concerning that there continues to be many cases that are not even getting to court as the person is regarded as unable to act as a reliable witness.  This surely continues to reflect an entrenched attitude towards the vulnerable witness and an assumption that they are unable to communicate effectively as a witness in court.  While this prevails the vulnerability of people with learning disabilities and those with mental health needs is increased as those who perpetrate against them will recognise their victim’s inability to access justice which gives them, the perpetrators, the opportunity to walk away from their crimes.
 

Note to Editors

1. The Ann Craft Trust works with staff in the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors to protect people with learning disabilities who may be at risk from abuse.  We also provide training regarding sex education for people with learning disabilities.  www.anncrafttrust.org.

12 August 2009

The Ann Craft Trust is a registered charity No. 1086592 and is a company limited by guarantee No. 4080805. © 2010 Ann Craft Trust: Protecting People with Learning Disabilities from Abuse. All Rights Reserved.

counter