Scales tip in favour of victims
TOO much attention has been given to the offenders of crimes rather than the most important people of all – the victims.
But new government legislation may be about to change that for the better.
There are many in society who believe that offenders and perpetrators of crimes are given too much concern. It has sometimes seemed as if they are the people who have suffered.
That is, of course, the position of liberal do-gooders who are so far removed from real life that their views are worthless.
The victims of crime are the people we should care about and under the Victims of Crime Fund announced by the Criminal Justice Minister Paul Goggins, as well as any prison sentence or court-imposed fine, criminals will have to contribute an additional fee to a support fund for those who have been wronged.
It is an excellent idea which could generate 500,000 per year for victims.
The levy imposed on the offenders would range from 5 to 30 and judges would have the discretion to reduce the fee if the guilty party did not have the funds to pay.
There are also plans in the consultative document to make it easier for people to give evidence in court. This would be particularly relevant to victims of rape and serious sexual assault.
The proposals look very worthwhile and maybe the scales of justice are beginning to move slightly in favour of the victims, whom we should protect and support in every way possible.
The criminals can worry about themselves while they sit in prison.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 14 February 2012
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Temperature: 6 C to 8 C
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