Warwickshire welcomes victim of crime consultation

Warwickshire Criminal Justice Board today welcomed a three month Government consultation period on the levels of support offered to victims of crime.

Views are being sought on a draft Victims' Code of Practice, which sets out the information and support services that victims of crime can expect from criminal justice agencies ranging from the police to the courts.

The consultation also invites views on an accompanying Guide for Victims which provides victims with an easy to read summary of their rights.

Earl Chilton who leads Warwickshire's Victim and Witness Information Partnership commented:

"Improving the support we offer to victims of crime is central to the work of Warwickshire Criminal Justice Board. When it comes into effect, the Victims' Code of Practice will set the standards of care which victims in Warwickshire can expect from their Criminal Justice System. The consultation period on the Code is therefore a great opportunity for the public and employees to have their say.

"The Victim and Witness Information Partnership in Warwickshire has been in operation for more than 18 months and continues to provide a premium service to victims & witnesses. VIP is a permanent contact for victims and witnesses once a criminal case enters the CJS. Regular contact with VIP Witness Care Officers ensures that they are kept abreast of developments in the case and that they are confident in the knowledge that support is available."

Baroness Scotland, Home Office minister for the Criminal Justice System, said:

"Victims of crime are entitled to know what their rights are. Whether someone simply reports a crime to the police or ends up needing to give evidence in court, they need to know what support is available to them from the Criminal Justice System.

"It is especially important that vulnerable victims, such as those who have suffered domestic violence or sexual abuse, feel confident in coming forward. This is why the draft Code sets out services that will be available to meet the specific needs of these victims.

"The final Code of Practice will be the first time there have been statutory minimum standards of service for victims of crime. We welcome comments on the draft Code and the Guide for Victims summary."

The consultation period will run until 30 May 2005. The final Code of Practice will be drawn up and take effect by the beginning of next year.