What Does the New UK Victims’ Commissioner Reveal About Her 22-Year Stalking Nightmare?

Claire Waxman, the UK Victims’ Commissioner, is determined to help abuse victims navigate the challenging justice system after her own harrowing experiences with police failure. Waxman, who faced 22 years of aggressive stalking by former Sky Sports News producer Elliot Fogel, believes her journey can inform crucial reforms aimed at supporting victims more effectively. Her proposed victim care hub model promises to streamline communication between victims and various justice system entities, ultimately empowering those affected by crime.

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Claire Waxman is spearheading initiatives to reform the UK’s criminal justice system for victims of crime, particularly those affected by stalking and sexual violence. Her efforts arise from personal experience, as she faced significant obstacles when reporting her stalker, Elliot Fogel. Despite his conviction for stalking and harassment, the journey through the justice system was fraught with challenges, which Waxman aims to alleviate for others.

Key takeaways

Waxman experienced inadequate police response during her stalking ordeal.
Her proposed victim care hub model seeks to simplify support for victims.
Victims of rape are currently facing long delays in court proceedings.
The Crown Court backlog is at a record high, affecting timely justice.
Waxman emphasises the importance of victims’ voices in the justice process.

Timeline: how we got here

Claire Waxman’s journey through the justice system has spanned over two decades, marked by significant milestones in her advocacy for victims:

1990s: Claire Waxman begins experiencing stalking from Elliot Fogel.
2001: Waxman reports Fogel’s behaviour to police, receiving inadequate support.
2022: Fogel is convicted of stalking and harassment, serving a prison sentence.
2023: Waxman appointed as UK Victims’ Commissioner, advocating for victims’ rights and reforms.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recently, Waxman has committed to establishing a victim care hub model that aims to provide victims with a single point of contact throughout their legal journey. This initiative is critical as it responds to ongoing frustrations expressed by victims regarding the convoluted nature of the current system.

What was already established

Waxman’s experiences have long highlighted systemic failures in supporting victims, particularly in cases of stalking and sexual violence. The backlog of cases in the Crown Court and delays in rape prosecutions have been documented for years, prompting calls for reform.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For ordinary citizens, the state of the justice system can lead to feelings of insecurity, especially for those who might be victims of crime. The long wait times for cases to reach court can discourage victims from coming forward, perpetuating cycles of abuse. Waxman’s reforms aim to create a more transparent and accessible justice system.

Businesses and jobs

Victims’ rights reforms may also impact businesses, particularly those in the legal sector. An efficient justice system can lead to quicker resolutions of cases, which could reduce the financial burden on businesses dealing with crime-related issues, such as fraud or harassment cases.

Policy and regulation

Waxman’s advocacy could influence future policy decisions within the UK government, potentially leading to new laws aimed at enhancing victim support. The establishment of the victim care hub model is a significant step towards more comprehensive victim rights legislation.

Numbers that matter

76,957: Total backlog of Crown Court cases as of March 2025, up 11% from the previous year.
40,000: Number of times Waxman’s stalker Googled her name in one year.
Two years: Average waiting time for rape cases to be completed in court.
22 years: Duration of Waxman’s experience with the criminal justice system.
Hundreds: Number of victims Waxman has worked with in her role.

Definitions and jargon buster

Victims' Commissioner: An independent office in the UK that represents the interests of victims of crime.
Stalking: A pattern of repeated and unwanted attention, harassment, or contact that causes fear or distress.
Crown Court: A court in the UK that deals with serious criminal cases, including felonies.
Victim care hub model: A proposed system that provides a single point of contact for victims navigating the justice system.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the coming weeks, Waxman will likely engage with stakeholders within the criminal justice system to discuss her proposed reforms and gather feedback. This could also include meetings with advocacy groups and victims’ organisations to refine her approach.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As discussions progress, Waxman may begin to outline a formal proposal for the victim care hub model. This could involve pilot programmes in select areas to assess the model’s effectiveness before national rollout.

Signals to watch

Consultations with victims’ groups regarding the proposed reforms.
Government announcements regarding funding or support for victim services.
Changes in the backlog statistics for the Crown Court, indicating progress or persistent issues.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about victims' rights and available support services.
Report any incidents of stalking or harassment to the police promptly.
Engage with advocacy groups that support victims of crime.

Don’t

Don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if you feel unsafe or threatened.
Don’t ignore the importance of documenting incidents for future reference.
Don’t remain silent; speak out about your experiences to raise awareness.

Checklist

Understand your rights as a victim of crime.
Know who to contact for support (police, legal aid, victim services).
Keep records of any incidents or communications related to your case.
Engage with local support networks for victims.
Stay updated on any changes to the law regarding victims’ rights.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Waxman’s proposed reforms are promising, there are inherent risks in implementation. The effectiveness of the victim care hub model will depend on sufficient funding and buy-in from various stakeholders in the justice system. Additionally, ongoing systemic issues such as the backlog in the Crown Court may persist, impacting the overall efficacy of any new initiatives.

Bottom line

Claire Waxman’s efforts to reform the UK justice system for victims of crime are rooted in her own painful experiences. The proposed victim care hub model is a significant step towards improving support for those affected by crime, but its success will depend on widespread collaboration and commitment from all parts of the justice system. Victims deserve a system that listens and responds to their needs with empathy and efficiency.

FAQs

What is the role of the UK Victims’ Commissioner?

The UK Victims’ Commissioner advocates for the rights and needs of crime victims, working to ensure they receive proper support and are treated with respect throughout the justice process.

How long does it typically take for stalking cases to be resolved in court?

The duration can vary significantly, but victims often face lengthy delays, particularly with the current backlog in the Crown Court affecting many cases.

What is the victim care hub model proposed by Claire Waxman?

The victim care hub model aims to provide victims with a single point of contact to navigate the police, Crown Prosecution Service, and courts, streamlining their experience in the justice system.