Shaping the future of Victims’ Rights
One of our incredible VOICE members, Luana, recently contributed to important national research exploring how the UK Government can improve the Victims’ Code which sets out how victims of crime should be treated and supported across the UK.
As part of this work, Luana shared her insights with the Children’s Commissioner’s Office, helping to inform conversations with government officials about how the police, courts, and wider services can better support young victims of serious crimes. Luana has helped to ensure that young people’s voices and lived experiences are part of shaping future change.
In this blog, Luana reflects on what it was like to take part in the research interview, why she chose to get involved, and what it meant to feel listened to and heard.
What was it like to be a participant in this research?
It was a discussion more than an interview which was nice. It felt like I had a voice with everything. I have always been interested in research and helping with problems in the world knowing that my opinions and experiences could help with improving how things are. [Taking part] has come from a bad experience but in a way it can do good. After a traumatic experience you can feel you aren’t in control anymore so giving your voice can really be helpful.
Would you do it again?
100%. It makes me feel like I have the power to change things for the better.
After a traumatic experience you can feel you aren't in control anymore so giving your voice can really be helpful.
Would you encourage others to take part in research?
Definitely, I think it helps to feel more powerful in the situation and more control. It’s not like you are in a police interview, it’s really relaxed, you don’t have to feel pressured, you just say your experiences in as much or as little detail as you want. A lot of people might feel daunted and feel you must prepare but it’s really relaxed. They are here to listen to you, you aren’t convincing them of anything.
If you would like to take part in research at a local and/or National level, get in touch
with the VOICE team: voices@the-green-house.org.uk
If you want to take part in a survey by the Children’s Commissioner’s office, you can
here: The Big Future Survey