New rights for victims of crime

All victims of crime are entitled to a range of support and information to help them recover

A consultation has been launched to ensure that victims of crime will receive greater support.

Launched on Wednesday 17 July, the consultation aims to strengthen the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (Victims’ Code) – a statutory document which sets out the minimum level of service victims can expect from criminal justice agencies, including the police and courts.

Under the code, all victims of crime – whether they choose to report it or not – are entitled to a range of support and information to help them cope and as far as possible recover from its effects.

However, victims and groups representing them felt that the code’s complexity and inconsistencies in the way it is applied across the country mean that some victims are missing out on the support they are entitled to.

For example, in recent years only 15% of victims said they were given the opportunity by police to make a victim personal statement (VPS), despite it being one of the code’s key entitlements. In addition, 69% of victims choose not to report their allegations, and so may not be aware of their rights under the Victims’ Code.

Therefore, Ministers are seeking views from victims, charities, criminal justice agencies and anyone with an interest in the issue on how best to raise awareness, as well as making the code clear and accessible so that it better meets victims’ needs.

Justice Minister Edward Argar said: “Being a victim of crime can be life-changing, and how people are subsequently treated within the justice system, can make a huge difference in helping them recover.

“By strengthening the code, we will give victims a louder voice in the process, ensure that they are better heard through their journey in the criminal justice system, and make sure they can access the support they need.”

The Victims’ Code came into effect in 2006 as part of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004. It built on the support for victims within the Victims’ Charter which was introduced in 1990 and which set out for the first time the levels of service victims of crime should expect.

The code was updated in 2013 and again in 2015.

The consultation will run from 17 July to 11 September, and you can have your say here:

• consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/proposed-changes-to-the-victims-code