The Government has unveiled plans to overhaul the Victims’ Code, including the first child-friendly version designed to help young victims better understand their rights and access support…reports Asian Lite News
The Government has announced plans to strengthen the Victims’ Code, including the development of the first child-friendly version aimed at helping children and young people better understand their rights after experiencing crime and where to access support. The proposals, unveiled on Thursday, are intended to address concerns that many child victims are left confused and unsupported when navigating the criminal justice system, particularly following crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence.
Under the plans, ministers will work with young people and experts to produce a version of the Victims’ Code written in age-appropriate language. This will clearly set out a child’s rights as a victim of crime, including the right to be referred to, or to self-refer to, support services. The Government said the aim is to ensure children are aware of the help available to them from the point a crime is reported through to trial and beyond.
Proposals also include allowing children aged 12 and over to have more direct contact with police and probation officers, alongside their parents or guardians. The Government said this is designed to give young victims greater dignity and autonomy and help them feel safer and more confident throughout the justice process.
The revised Victims’ Code forms part of a wider effort to encourage victims to remain engaged with their cases by making the system clearer and more supportive. Ministers said a strengthened code would reinforce the message that victims are entitled to information, support and respect at every stage of the process.
Alongside the proposed reforms, the Government will roll out an “Understand your Rights” campaign across England and Wales to raise awareness of the Victims’ Code and to make clear that it applies to all victims, regardless of the crime they have experienced.
Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said: “Navigating the justice system can be a challenge for many, but for children – a matrix! I’m incredibly proud of the changes to the Victims’ Code we’re exploring hand-in-hand with the people who will need it most. It’s unthinkable that an innocent and vulnerable child would ever need the criminal justice system, but it’s a reality we can’t ignore. Through the revisions we’re proposing, children will be the drivers on their journey to justice.”
Wider changes proposed for the Victims’ Code include new fundamental principles and improved training for agencies across the justice system to raise standards of communication with victims. Compliance with the code is already set out in law, and ministers said strengthened powers for the Victims’ Commissioner will allow agencies to be held to account if they fail to meet required standards without good reason.
Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said many children find the justice system “bewildering or even traumatising” and welcomed clearer guidance tailored to their needs. Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales Claire Waxman said inconsistent delivery of the code has left too many victims feeling sidelined and described the consultation as a chance to rebuild trust.
The announcement follows other recent government measures aimed at protecting women and children, including the launch of a new strategy on violence against women and girls and changes to family court rules to prioritise children’s safety.
