Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols spoke during a session of topical questions in the House of Commons on Tuesday.
The question related to compensation for young rape victims and gaps in the framework, which is having a ‘profound’ impact on victims of sexual violence in the town.
She said: “The criminal injuries compensation scheme is a vitally important part of the justice system.
“But among the gaps in the framework we inherited is interim support for victims of crime under 18 before they can access their award.
“This is profoundly affecting three of my young constituents who were victims of rape, and their families, in dealing with the consequences.
“Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how we can do more for child victims of the most serious offending and ensure the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority is fit for purpose?”
Her question was answered by Alex Davies-Jones, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice.
She responded with: “My honourable friend raises an important point about the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
“The previous Government undertook a review of the scheme. It ran three consultations respectively.
“When the election was called in May, no response to those consultations had been published.
“We are considering the support we provide to victims including child victims, and we are advising on a new victims’ code in the new year specifically to look at that issue, including any response to the review, and we will set out our plans in due course.”
