Victims of crime given rights for the first time
 
Victims of crime will receive a much better service from the criminal justice system as they are given legal rights for the first time.
 
The Victims' Code of Practice came into force on Monday, April 3, 2006, and sets out the minimum standards of information and support that victims of crime can expect to receive from each of the criminal justice agencies, including the police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Her Majesty's Court Service.
 
The Code gives victims a right to information about their crime with specified timescales, including the right to be notified of any arrests and court cases. 

It also requires:

• a dedicated family liaison police officer to be assigned to bereaved relatives;
• clear information from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority on eligibility for compensation under the scheme;
• all victims to be told about victim support and referred to them, if appropriate;
• and an enhanced service for vulnerable or intimidated victims.
  

If a victim of crime should feel that any of the criminal justice agencies have not delivered their obligations under the code, they will have the right to appeal to the Parliamentary Ombudsmen.
 
Chief Crown Prosecutor, Andrew Baxter said: "Victims have a clear set of rights within the Victims Code of Practice, and later this year the Crown Prosecution Service will add core quality standards so that there will be a clear expectation of the level of service a victim will receive as a case moves through the system.

“It is vital that a high-quality service from the outset is provided by the prosecution team to ultimately ensure that the victim has a voice in the courtroom, and that their cases are built thoroughly and prosecuted robustly.”

The Victims' Code has been welcomed by Victim Support Norfolk. 

Chief Executive, Brian Butcher, said: "The statutory code is a major step forward in ensuring victims in Norfolk receive the service they deserve and need.  

“We will be working closely with the other criminal justice agencies to bring in the changes."
 
To view or download a copy of the Victims' Code of Practice, please visit CJS Online