Updated Victim's Code
New rights for victims of crime introduced
On Thursday 1st April 2021, an updated Victims’ Code came into effect, introducing 12 rights for victims of crime and setting out the services and standards that must be provided to victims by the police and other criminal justice agencies.
The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime, more commonly known as the Victims’ Code, is published by the Ministry of Justice and it’s applicable from the moment a crime is reported to the end of a trial in court.
Merseyside Police has welcomed the changes to the Victims’ Code and the force has made it clear that it is committed to ensuring victims of crime are fully supported and kept informed at all stages of a case.
The force has introduced contact cards and information leaflets which will be given to victims when a police officer first attends the report of a crime. The new cards allow officers to provide a reference number and a clear point of contact for enquiries about the case.
The new leaflet contains a lot of useful information. This includes an overview of the next steps following the crime being reported, plus information about the victim’s rights, compensation, the Right to Review scheme, the role of the Witness Care Unit and how support services can be accessed via Victim Care Merseyside.
Victim Care Merseyside is a dedicated support resource for victims of crime, commissioned by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Commissioner. The website has a comprehensive directory of services available to victims throughout Merseyside. Victims can easily find specialist support in their local area that can help them cope and recover from the aftereffects of a crime.
Remember, if you report a crime, the police will discuss what support you may require. Be open and honest – the sooner they understand your needs as both a victim and potential witness, the sooner they can put the right support in place or refer you to an organisation that can assist.
You can find more details about your rights under the Victims’ Code and read the full Victims’ Code document, published by the Ministry of Justice by visiting: www.gov.uk or https://www.victimcaremerseyside.org/my-rights/the-victims-code
Ministry of Justice consultation
The Ministry of Justice has launched a consultation into the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime: https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/proposed-changes-to-the-victims-code/
The MoJ says:
The Victims' Code sets out the rights that victims of crime in England & Wales should receive. Under the code, all victims of crime – whether they choose to report it or not – are entitled to a range of support and information. To ensure the Code better meets victims’ needs, the MoJ is consulting on proposals which will give victims a louder voice in the process, ensure that they are better heard through their journey in the criminal justice system, and make sure they can access the support they need.
Victims of Anti-Social Behaviour
What about victims of anti-social behaviour? They do not even fall in the scope of the review. The Ministry of Justice works from the basis of it being only for victims of crime.
We would argue that being a victim of repeat, persistent anti-social behaviour can actually cause more distress and require more support than being a victim of some crimes. It is also a case that we all cope differently with both ASB and crime. As such the focus should be on the needs and vulnerabilities of the victim, not whether the behaviour they have been subjected to has crossed into the definition of crime.
At the very least, we would suggest that victims of anti-social behaviour who have requested an ASB multi-case review under the Community Trigger, should be entitled to rights and support under the Victims' Code.
We think it is unfair that funding to give victims practical and emotional support is ringfenced only for victims of crime. Let's not forget that a victim of anti-social behaviour coming forward to receive emotional support may in fact lead to uncovering hidden crime from the ASB perpetrators. Timely support for victims of anti-social behaviour and an encouragement of early intervention techniques can also prevent crime from developing in the first place.
Get Involved in the Ministry of Justice consultation
We have made our voice heard in this Ministry of Justice consultation. We invite you to also. https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/proposed-changes-to-the-victims-code/ Deadline for contributions is 11 September 2019.
