Ministry of Justice UK

We’re investing in civil legal aid to support the most vulnerable. The funding increase, which is subject to consultation, will help people at risk of unfair eviction or homelessness access legal advice. It will also apply to immigration lawyers, including those who provide advice to victims of modern slavery and trafficking, so those at greatest risk will be supported to access justice. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/etkmYAhf

The integrity of our justice system depends on fair and transparent prosecutions that serve the public interest. But there is long-standing public concern about the regulation and oversight of non-police and private prosecutors – often via the Single Justice Procedure. The Government is taking action by launching a consultation into the regulation of prosecutions by these bodies. The consultation will look at the checks and balances needed to ensure these prosecutors maintain the highest standards of justice.

We’re launching stronger protections for victims of domestic abuse. Alex Davies-Jones, Minister for Victims & Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) visited pilot location Croydon Law Courts, London to meet staff at the heart of delivering these enhanced protections to victims. The new Domestic Abuse Protection Notices and Orders (DAPOs) can now be handed out by all courts including family, civil, and criminal, meaning more perpetrators will be forced to live under restrictions. Additionally, all types of domestic abuse including physical, psychological, stalking, and coercive control will be covered for the first time. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eX7JKEm6

Domestic abusers will be ordered to stay away from their victims, under a new measure announced today. New powers have been granted to the police and courts to impose Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), providing enhanced protections for victims. This means, for the first time, family courts will be able to impose tagging. DAPOs will also enhance existing powers that police have to legally prevent abusers from contacting or approaching their victims, punishable by up to five years in prison. Find out more about DAPOs: https://lnkd.in/ek3QGjDc

Recycling Lives Charity is a nationwide charity that supports offenders and ex-offenders by offering employment workshops, stable jobs and housing support.    Offenders who have taken part in the prison workshops have a 5% reoffending rate, well below the national average.    We spoke with their CEO Alasdair Jackson OBE and ex-offenders at a Recycling Lives workshop at HMP Styal to find out what makes their approach so effective.

HMP Prescoed's rehabilitation programme is helping prisoners build new lives through agricultural training. Working with dairy cattle, participants gain practical farming skills and professional qualifications, creating pathways to employment and a positive future after release. Watch the full video: https://lnkd.in/ekcTR9Bi

Today, the Government has confirmed a new criminal offence for spiking. This will help empower victims to come forward to seek justice and send a clear signal to perpetrators. This is part of the Government’s commitment to halving violence against women and girls and keeping our streets safe. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ea6KG7Xe

Legal services are a powerhouse of the UK economy.   Earlier this week, the Lord Chancellor, Shabana Mahmood, and the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds MP, sat down with legal sector leaders to explore how to strengthen and future-proof the industry.   ⬇️ Hear their verdict on the industry’s bright future.

Actor, producer, director and recording artist, Ashley Walters recently visited a young offender institution (YOI) to inspire young people in custody to turn their lives around. Why a young offender institution? In his youth Ashley briefly served time in a YOI, where he decided to dedicate himself to his acting career on release. Sharing his own extraordinary journey, he demonstrated the power of creativity and education to transform lives. Watch what Ashley said to the young people ⬇️

Employment can break the cycle of reoffending.   Through Greene King’s Releasing Potential programme, now at HMP Onley and HMP Perth, we’re providing:   • Hands-on hospitality skills  • Real job opportunities after release    See how this changes lives ⬇️