The Ministry of Justice has launched the Victims’ Bill consultation which seeks to understand how victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system across England and Wales can be improved.  This consultation is a 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. 

At present, victims/survivors of rape and sexual abuse/exploitation engaging with criminal justice processes often describe the process as traumatic. The proposed Victims’ Law offers a real opportunity to make significant changes in protecting victims’ rights and access to support.

Now open to the public for feedback, the Victims' Bill consultation is an opportunity to share feedback regarding how victims’ experiences of the justice system can be improved. The questions within the consultation explore five key issues:  

• What victims should expect  

• Performance and accountability  

• The Victim Surcharge  

• Community-based support services  

• Improved advocacy support 

“ The current processes intended to support victims of sexual offences through the justice system all need to be revised to ensure victims’ rights are fairly protected, that processes are trauma-informed and that our criminal justice system responds sensitively to victims’ needs.  The Survivors Trust will encourage and support victims/survivors and all Member Agencies to respond to the consultation.”

The consultation is 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. The consultation closes on the 3^rd February 2022. 

Click here to take part in the consultation >>

Click here to access the consultation document in HTML format >>