Statement from Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass, on the appointment of Alex Davies-Jones as Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls

“I would like to congratulate Alex Davies-Jones on her appointment as Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls.

Alex has consistently demonstrated a commitment to improving the experience of victim-survivors across the criminal justice system, and we are pleased to see her return to this important role. We have valued the constructive relationship we have built with her and look forward to continuing that work.

As the Government advances its agenda for victims, it is essential that older victim-survivors are not left behind. Too often, they encounter a criminal justice system that does not fully recognise the realities of abuse in later life or respond to the barriers they face in seeking justice.

Older victim-survivors need a champion within Government. We hope Alex will continue to use her role to ensure their voices are heard, their experiences are understood and their needs are reflected across the Government’s work on victims and violence against women and girls.

That means strengthening victims’ rights through meaningful needs assessments, appropriate support and reasonable adjustments throughout the criminal justice process, alongside better access to specialist services.

Hourglass looks forward to continuing to work closely with Alex to ensure that older victim-survivors are no longer overlooked and are able to access the justice, protection and support they deserve.”

- Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass