Code of Practice for Victims of Crime 2024-11-05
2024-11-05
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to improve enforcement of the code of practice for victims in England and Wales, ensuring better support and accountability.
What steps her Department is taking to improve the enforcement of the code of practice for victims of crime in England and Wales?
We will implement the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which lays a good foundation for ensuring that victims know their rights under the code and that agencies are held accountable. We will consult on revising the victims' code early next year and increase the Victims' Commissioner's powers to enhance accountability.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A constituent, Dr Marie Gerval, was a victim of stalking with serious delays in her case and poor treatment by the investigating officer who later faced conviction. The question seeks to discuss how the code can prevent such incidents.
My constituent Dr Marie Gerval experienced severe delays and poor handling in her stalking case by an investigating officer convicted of similar crimes, leading to significant stress. Will the Minister meet me and Dr Gerval to address how the victims' code can ensure this does not happen again?
The Government are committed to enhancing stalking protection orders, implementing automatic suspensions for officers under investigation for domestic abuse and sexual offences, introducing mandatory professional standards for individual officers, and examining police responses to stalking as part of efforts to protect victims. I encourage reaching out to the Home Office Minister responsible for safeguarding but am willing to meet Dr Gerval.
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Assessment & feedback
Meeting with Dr Gerval specifically was not confirmed; general commitments were made instead.
Response accuracy