Young adults who fall victim to crime will be better supported
through a new Government campaign.
The Victims' Code sets out in clear and simple language what
victims can expect from the criminal justice system, including
the level of support they are entitled to.
Research shows that while young adults are more likely to be
victims of violent crime, too many are unaware of their rights –
with just one in five victims aware of the Victims' Code.
The new push launched today will bolster confidence in the
criminal justice system and the level of support victims can
expect to receive – underpinning the Government's Plan for Change
to create safer streets.
Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and
Girls, , said:
“Seeking the support of the law can be daunting if you're a
victim of crime. It is vital that we ensure victims understand
their rights and what they can expect from the criminal justice
system.
“Through this campaign, we will reach every corner of England and
Wales so that everyone knows they can turn to the Victims' Code,
whatever the crime and whoever they are.”
Organisations that work with victims, like the Police and Crown
Prosecution Service (CPS), are responsible for ensuring that
victims' rights are upheld.
Commenting on the campaign, the Victims' Commissioner,
, said:
“The Victims' Code explains the rights that everyone is entitled
to receive as a victim of crime: respectful treatment, clear
information, and access to support.
“Yet, awareness of these rights remains low – and that is why
this campaign is so important.
“Agencies too often fall short in upholding victims' rights, and
that must change. Raising awareness is a crucial step, empowering
victims to stand up for themselves and hold agencies
accountable.”
Today's news comes ahead of bolstered measures to strengthen the
Victims' Commissioner's powers to increase accountability for
delivery of the Victims' Code.
The Government will also be consulting on the Victims' Code in
early 2025 in order to further strengthen standards for victims.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- The ‘Understand Your Rights' Victims' Code campaign raises
awareness of the Victims' Code and highlights that it is
there for every victim, whatever the crime. The campaign directs
users to understand their rights at victimscode.org.uk If
you want to support the campaign, or gain access to campaign
materials, please email VictimsCodeComms@justice.gov.uk.
- The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) showed that in
year end to March 2024, a higher percentage of younger people
were a victim of violence with or without injury, with the
highest rate of victimisation among those aged 16 to 24 years
where the perpetrator was a stranger (2.2%) or an acquaintance
(1.3%). In addition, the 2023 survey showed that the highest
prevalence of victimisation by age group was in those aged 16 to
24 years (19.5%), with levels generally falling as age
increased.
- Phase one of the digital campaign will run from January –
April 2025
