Delivering justice for victims: A consultation on improving victims’ experiences of the justice system

This consultation is the first significant step towards a landmark ‘Victims’ Law’ - a Bill which will build on the foundations provided by the Victims’ Code to substantially improve victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system. It will make a tangible difference to ensuring all victims of crime receive the support they need through and beyond the criminal justice process.

This consultation will consider how we can make concrete improvements to victims’ experience of and confidence in the criminal justice system, and their support. The resulting legislation will be the cornerstone of our work across government to ensure that victims’ needs lie at the heart of the criminal justice system.

The consultation asks questions across five key issues, focusing on::

• What victims should expect
• Performance and accountability
• The Victim Surcharge
• Community-based support services
• Improved advocacy support

This consultation is open to the public. We would be particularly interested to hear from victims of crime, organisations representing victims, the police, criminal justice practitioners, service providers, health care professionals, Police and Crime Commissioners, local authorities and community safety partnerships.

Respond to the consultation online

Requesting an extension to respond to the consultation

The Victims’ Bill consultation opened on 9 December 2021 and it will close on 3 February 2022. The Ministry of Justice is able to consider requests to extend the deadline by up to 14 days for individuals and organisations in certain exceptional circumstances. Factors which we can consider include:

• Accessibility issues in responding to the consultation
• Exceptional pressure resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic (such as extremely high levels of staff absence in your organisation).

To request an extension, please contact the official consultation mailbox: victimsbillconsultation@justice.gov.uk.

Requests must clearly set out the reason the extension is needed, explaining the impact of the factors set out above. It must also set out the length of the extension you are requesting. We will consider requests on a case-by-case basis and aim to respond as soon as possible.

Requests should be submitted before the consultation deadline (3 February 2022).

Support

We understand that engaging with this consultation may be difficult for people who are victims of crime. For anyone who has been affected by issues covered by the consultation, please see the support services listed on GOV.UK: Get support as a victim of crime

Consultation information and questions: BSL translation Victims’ Bill Consultation: beginning to chapter 1 (pages 1 to 19)

Victims’ Bill Consultation, British Sign Language version (1/3) - beginning to chapter 1

Victims’ Bill Consultation: chapter 2 to chapter 3 (pages 20 to 39)

Victims’ Bill Consultation, British Sign Language version (2/3) - chapter 2 to chapter 3

Victims’ Bill Consultation: chapter 3 to end (pages 40 to 68)

Victims’ Bill Consultation, British Sign Language version (3/3) - chapter 3 to end