Delivering justice for victims: A consultation on improving victims’ experiences of the justice system

Overview

This consultation seeks to understand how we can improve victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system across England and Wales.

This consultation is the first significant step towards a landmark ‘Victims’ Law’ - a Bill which will build on the foundations provided by the Victims’ Code to substantially improve victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system. It will make a tangible difference to ensuring all victims of crime receive the support they need through and beyond the criminal justice process. 

This consultation will consider how we can make concrete improvements to victims’ experience of and confidence in the criminal justice system, and their support. The resulting legislation will be the cornerstone of our work across government to ensure that victims’ needs lie at the heart of the criminal justice system.  

The consultation asks questions across five key issues, focusing on:  

• What victims should expect  

• Performance and accountability  

• The Victim Surcharge  

• Community-based support services  

• Improved advocacy support  

This consultation is open to the public. We would be particularly interested to hear from victims of crime, organisations representing victims, the police, criminal justice practitioners, service providers, health care professionals, Police and Crime Commissioners, local authorities and community safety partnerships.