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Government response to 2020 consultation on improving The Victims’ Code and The Revised Code Of Practice For Victims Of Crime (Victims’ Code)

18 November 2020

Proposing MP
Alex Chalk Con
Cheltenham
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Ministry of Justice
View on Parliament.uk -->

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement discusses the government's revised Victims' Code and its implementation to better support victims of crime.

Action Requested

The minister is laying a revised Victims' Code that will take effect from April 1, 2021. The new code includes structural changes to make it clearer for victims, simplification of communication methods, enhanced access to support, and specific provisions for foreign national offenders and families bereaved abroad.

Key Facts

  • Over 500 responses were received to the government's consultation on improving the Victims’ Code which closed on 28 May 2020.
  • The revised Victims' Code is scheduled to come into force on April 1, 2021.
  • A new 'opt-out' framework for the Victim Contact Scheme will be introduced for victims of sexual or violent offences sentenced to imprisonment for twelve months or more.
  • For the first time, a child-friendly version of the Victims’ Code will be produced.
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