Dame Vera Baird, the victims’ commissioner,
called for the code to be enshrined in law as
soon as possible (Northumbria PCC/PA)“And we are going further to strengthen victims’ rights by bringing through a Victims’ Law to ensure they
are supported at every stage of the justice system.”
Campaigners welcomed the new requirements but called for them to be enshrined in law as soon as possible
to ensure that authorities comply with their duties.
Dame Vera Baird, the victims’ commissioner for England and Wales, said the current code was not being
enforced and that 80 per cent of victims surveyed had not heard of it.
“We have had codes of practice since 2006 but victims tell us day-by-day that they do not get their full
entitlements,” Dame Vera added. “It is the duty of the criminal justice agencies to ensure that victims are
aware of their rights ...We also need to look at how victims can seek redress when entitlements are not
delivered.”
Claire Waxman, the victims’ commissioner for London, said the changes were “long overdue” after being
promised in 2017.
“I know from talking to victims every day that they are not getting the level of support they need and are
entitled to, at a time when they are most vulnerable,” she added. “The effects of this are long lasting and
profound.”
Ms Waxman called for access to the Victim Contact Scheme to be extended beyond violent and sexual
crimes, adding: “It is crucial that the government introduce a Victims’ Law as swiftly as possible so we can
see a culture shift towards victims so that their rights are no longer optional, but are legally enforceable.”