The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (the Victims Code) is the statutory code that sets out the minimum level of service that victims should receive from the criminal justice system.
How does the Victims Code work?
The Victims’ Code applies to all criminal justice agencies, including the police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Courts Service and the Probation Service. The Code was established by the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 and came into effect in 2006. Victim Support lobbied for it to be introduced and has campaigned for it to be improved and strengthened.
The Code sets out what each criminal justice agency must do for victims and the timeframe in which they must do it.
Your key rights under the Code
You have the right to:
be kept informed about the progress of your case by the police
hear when a suspect is arrested, charged, bailed or sentenced
apply for extra help when giving evidence in court (called ‘special measures’) if you are vulnerable, intimidated, or a child or young person
The Victims Code has been revised twice since it was first introduced in 2006.
The Code was most recently updated in October 2015, bringing in new measures to comply with the European Union Victims’ Directive, which came into force in November 2015. The main changes to the Code were:
Broadening the definition of a victim to include victims of all offences. Previously victims of some offences, such as careless driving or minor criminal damage, were not entitled to services under the Code.
Ensuring that victims are entitled to receive support and information from all relevant public sector bodies. Organisations such as HMRC, the Serious Fraud Office and the National Crime Agency now have obligations to victims under the Code.
Entitling all victims who report a crime to receive a written acknowledgement from the police.
The Code was previously revised in December 2013 to clarify victims’ entitlements and the obligations of criminal justice agencies. The update gave victims the right to read a Victim Personal Statement in court (subject to the views of the court) and to receive information about taking part in restorative justice schemes.
How to make a complaint
If you’re a victim of crime and you feel that your rights under the Code have not been met then you can complain directly to the criminal justice agency concerned, such as your local police force or the Crown Prosecution Service.
If you have done so and are still dissatisfied then you can take your complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, who is responsible for considering complaints relating to the Victims’ Code. You must first contact your MP and ask them to refer your complaint to the Ombudsman as they will not consider cases directly from a member of the public. Find your local MP.
