UK Government to update Victim’s Code

Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Jeff Cuthbert, has welcomed the UK Government’s plans to update the Victim’s Code of Practice.

The Victim’s Code of Practice is the Government’s document which sets out what victims can expect from organisations such as the police and the courts, from the moment they report a crime until after a trial has finished.

The updated code has been made easier to understand and provides greater clarity around the services victims can expect to receive.

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: “Victims of crime are often at their most vulnerable so anything that streamlines and simplifies their experience with the criminal justice system is a good thing.

“Police and Crime Commissioners are responsible for commissioning many of the services victims of crime receive and this will no doubt be useful to ensure we continue to provide the best possible service to victims.

“However, knowledge and understanding of the code among victims is low and, while we can certainly play a part locally to promote awareness of victims’ rights, I would like to see the UK Government support this document with a wider information campaign to help people fully understand what service they can expect to receive if they are a victim of a crime.”