New rights for victims of crime come into force
03 Apr 2006
Many agencies involved in the criminal justice system already keep those affected by crime well informed, but the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime means that for the first time all victims must be told when a suspect has been arrested and why an offender received a particular sentence as a matter of course.
Home Office Minister Fiona Mactaggart said:
"The Code of Practice for Victims is our latest tool to ensure that the needs and concerns of victims of crime are central to the criminal justice system. Victims deserve these rights, and they deserve a code with real teeth.
"Under the code, all criminal justice agencies – police, courts and Crown Prosecution Service – have a legal duty to provide the crucial information and advice that is so important to giving victims the ability to get their lives back on track.
"And if anyone feels that they have not received the level of service they are entitled to in the code, they will be able to appeal to an independent body.
"I am determined that the needs of victims of crime must be better met and the code is part of a wider programme of Government initiatives to support them. We have already established 165 Witness Care Units and we are currently in the final stages of recruiting a new Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses."
The minimum services victims can expect to receive under the code include:
- a right to information about their crime within specified time scales, including the right to be notified of any arrests and court cases;
- a dedicated family liaison police officer to be assigned to bereaved relatives;
- clear information from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) on eligibility for compensation under the Scheme;
- all victims to be told about Victim Support and referred on to them if appropriate;
- an enhanced service in the cases of vulnerable or intimidated victims; and
- flexibility with regard to opting in or out of receiving services.
Gillian Guy, chief executive of Victim Support said;
"Today is a landmark day for victims of crime and for witnesses.
"From today onwards, they are entitled to a guaranteed level of service from the Criminal Justice System – something we have campaigned for for years. We are particularly delighted that victims now have the automatic right to be referred to our charity for help – this should cut the risk of them falling through the gaps and missing out on the independent support we offer."
The Government aims to ensure that every victim, including relatives of people who have died as the result of a crime, has access to information on support services in their local area.
If victims feel that any of the service providers have not delivered their obligations under the Victims' Code, and are dissatisfied with the response to their complaint, they can take their case to the Parliamentary Ombudsman via their MP. The Ombudsman can recommend a number of remedies, including an apology, changes in processes, and even consolatory payments to victims.