How do victims feel about the way they are supported by the criminal justice authorities? This question is the subject of a research publication announced today by the National Fraud Authority ("NFA").
In an authoritative report based on research undertaken by the University of Portsmouth, the needs and experiences of victims of fraud in relation to their treatment by, and interaction with, various organisations both within and outside the criminal justice system have been chronicled. The research was jointly commissioned by the NFA, the Office of Fair Trading and the Association of Chief Police Officers.
The report has identified common needs of (a) courteous treatment, (b) for a clearly identifiable point to report fraud, (c) getting their money back, (d) being kept informed of case progress and (e) the execution of justice through prosecution of fraudsters and suitable penalties. The detailed report can be seen on the NFA website www.attorneygeneral.gov.uk/nfa
The Serious Fraud Office, which has established its own victim support strategy, assisted the research project. From a number of its previously completed serious and complex fraud cases a sample of sixty-six victims contributed to the overall findings.
SFO Director Richard Alderman, who introduced a victim support review within the SFO in 2008, commented: "In any fraud case that crosses my desk my first thought is, ''What has been the impact on victims - what can we do to help them?' This consideration is part of my core philosophy for the SFO. I am delighted with the prominence with which victim support is being highlighted today and I wholeheartedly commit the SFO to continue its own work, and to cooperation, in this area.
Serious Fraud Office
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