Today (5th March) the Government have released the new consultation on improving the Victims' Code.

The Code is a statutory Government document which sets out the minimum level of services that victims of crime should receive from criminal justice agencies and other organisations in England and Wales. It enables victims to receive the information they need about their case, the criminal justice system, and the support services available, so that they can navigate the justice process and make their own informed decisions about what services to access, and what they are entitled to expect.

The consultation will focus on the 12 ‘overarching rights’ for victims and survivors, listed below:

1. To be able to understand and to be understood.
2. To have the details of the crime recorded without unjustified delay
3. To be provided with information when reporting the crime
4. To be referred to victim support services and have services and support tailored to your needs
5. To be provided with information about compensation
6. To be provided with information about the investigation and prosecution
7. To make a Victim Personal Statement
8. To be given information about the trial, trial process and your role as a witness
9. To be given information about the outcome of the case and any appeals
10. To be paid expenses and have property returned
11. To be given information about the offender following a conviction
12. To make a complaint about rights not being met

The Government want to hear what you have to say about their proposed changes.

The consultation on improving the Victims' Code can be found here.

The consultation runs until 16th April 2020.