A new Victims’ Code consultation

Overview

This consultation builds on the extensive engagement we have had with Parliamentarians and stakeholders, who have told us that the existing Code’s foundations are broadly right, but that there are areas we can strengthen. We want to make sure the Code sets clear and deliverable minimum standards throughout the criminal justice system so that victims have the support and information they need.

The consultation particularly seeks views on the following areas in the draft Code:

• New principles and training so that agencies effectively assess and deliver what victims need to support them through the criminal justice process.
• A new framework for how and when agencies should directly engage with child victims.
• The right points to communicate with victims about case information during the criminal justice process.
• Improving how and when victims are given opportunities to participate.

We also want to make sure that the Code works in practice, by:

• Making sure that the rights victims can expect to receive under the Code are clear so that agencies can be held to account for delivering them.
• Exploring ways to ensure victims of all ages know about the Code and can understand their rights.

This is an open consultation that seeks to gather information and data about the draft new Code. We will carefully consider and engage with victims, their families, those that support them and other experts. We will also consult criminal justice partners, their agencies, the judiciary, and a range of professionals who work with victims every day