Improving the code of practice for victims of crime

This consultation sets out the government’s plans to reform the victims’ code to give victims clearer entitlements from criminal justice agencies and to better tailor service to individual need. It is aimed at all criminal justice agencies, victims of crime and businesses.

The consultation paper covers:

• victims’ entitlements
• duties on criminal justice agencies
• specific entitlements for children and young people
• the Victim Personal Statement
• businesses
• information on restorative justice
• means of redress (complaints process)

The consultation paper invites views on the proposals outlined above, specifically in relation to the questions summarised on pages 28-30 of the document.

We will also be providing people who are interested with the opportunity to discuss the proposals contained in the consultation paper at 2 open consultation events (places must be booked in advance):

• London: Broadway House Conference Centre, Westminster, 10am-1pm, 15 April 2013
• Leeds: the Queen, City Square, 10am-1pm, 30 April 2013

The focus of these events will be to gather a wide range of views of our proposals, from those working with victims to victims of crime themselves. If you are interested in attending either of these events please email: partners@justice.gsi.gov.uk

On 18 April at 6pm we are also holding a web-chat, hosted by NSPCC and open to 13-18 year olds, on the separate section for children and young people in the victims’ code. Any 13-18 year olds interested in taking part should email partners@justice.gsi.gov.uk for details on how to join. There is a verification process.