Victims of crime will now always be told when an offender is due to leave prison as a new Victims’ Code comes into force.
The code is a charter of rights which dictate the minimum level of service victims can expect at every stage of the justice process, regardless of whether they choose to report the crime or not.
It insists that victims of crimes have the right to be given information which is easy to understand, with extra support provided if necessary. This includes details about the trial process, their role as a witness if necessary and the outcome of the case.
Where appropriate, victims will be automatically referred to the Victim Contact Scheme, which provides updates on the progress of a convicted offender and their eligibility for release or parole.
The new code also ensures vulnerable victims will have the ability to pre-record their cross-examination away from the courtroom, rather than give evidence in court.
It adds victims of sexual violence will be able to choose the gender of their police interviewer, while victims of foreign national offenders now have the right to know when the perpetrator is deported.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland said the move paves the way for a new Victims’ Law, which MPs will consult on this summer.
He said: “Our new Code provides victims with a simplified and stronger set of rights – making clear their entitlements at every step of the way as they recover from crime. But we are not stopping here and will consult on strengthening these rights even further through a Victims’ Law as we continue to build back confidence in the justice system.”
Writing in the Daily Express, Mr Buckland added the code will play a “crucial” part in ensuring “victims stick with the (justice) process so that criminals are taken off our streets, the public is protected and justice is served”.
Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, Dame Vera Baird QC, also stressed the importance of victims’ rights ultimately being enshrined into law.
Dame Vera said: “A victims’ law would ensure that victims’ rights, such as to information, making a personal statement and accessing independent support services, are legally enforceable.
“With a Victims’ Law, we have the opportunity to truly transform the victims’ experience of the justice system. I look forward to engaging with the Government in the coming months to make this law a reality.”
