DURHAM’S Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg is calling for better treatment for crime victims who have mental health problems.

National reports have highlighted failings across the criminal justice system and recommended urgent improvements in policy and practice.

In response, Mr Hogg has set up a County Durham conference for professionals to discuss the way forward for people suffering with mental health problems.

The one-off event at Ramside Hall, Durham, on Friday (October 17) will look at the findings of the national report ‘At Risk, Yet Dismissed’ from the charity Victim Support.

Mr Hogg will outline his views on the failings of the system alongside one of the authors of the report, Bridget Pettitt.

He said: “People with mental health problems need a voice and need to be heard.

“It’s about time we had in place a system that ensures we get the treatment of people with these problems absolutely right.”

Mr Hogg is also keen for a County Durham version of Victim Support’s national report to identify local problems with the criminal justice system.