The UK government has issued a detailed response to the findings and recommendations in the Victims’ Commissioner’s Annual Victims’ Survey 2023, reiterating its commitment to improving the experiences of crime victims throughout the criminal justice system.
Alex Davies-Jones MP, Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, highlighted key areas of progress, future initiatives, and strategic measures in addressing the issues raised in the report.
The government emphasised its dedication to ensuring that victims and survivors have the information and support they need to engage with the criminal justice system. Key legislative efforts include the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, which aims to solidify victims’ rights and create a coordinated approach to victim support services. The forthcoming Victims, Courts and Public Protection Bill will further enhance the powers of the Victims’ Commissioner, ensuring greater accountability.
The government underscored the importance of the Victims’ Code as a tool to ensure victims know their rights. Measures to improve compliance include:
- Awareness Campaigns: Development of materials to help agencies meet the new Code Awareness Duty.
- Consultation on a New Code: A revised Victims’ Code, scheduled for early 2025, will form the basis for a robust compliance framework.
- Data Collection and Training: Standardised data collection on victims’ characteristics and enhanced staff training will help ensure equitable treatment for victims, especially those from diverse backgrounds.
- Accountability Mechanisms: Notices to address non-compliance will be issued by senior government officials, and the role of criminal justice inspectorates will be expanded to include oversight of communications for victims with accessibility needs.
The government recognises the importance of understanding why victims disengage from the criminal justice process. To address this:
- The Code compliance framework will gather direct feedback from victims.
- Research may be conducted to identify gaps in support for victims with protected characteristics.
- Efforts to reduce court backlogs, particularly in the Crown Court, are being explored to minimize delays and encourage victim participation.
The report also highlighted challenges faced by older victims and victims with disabilities. In response:
- The Victim Services Commissioning Framework is being reviewed to better support vulnerable groups.
- Older victims will be assessed on an individual basis for special measures, and statutory guidance will emphasise the commissioning of bespoke services for such groups.
- Section 14(3) of the Victims and Prisoners Act mandates that local commissioners consider the needs of victims with protected characteristics.
The government acknowledges gaps in evaluating victim support services and aims to address this through:
- Implementation of the Victims Funding Strategy, which includes core metrics to assess service effectiveness.
- Collaboration with local commissioners to align data collection and improve strategic commissioning.
- Statutory guidance under the duty to collaborate provisions, ensuring that victim needs are assessed and met through tailored local services.
The government is committed to ensuring victims of persistent ASB are supported effectively. Measures include:
- Revising the Victims’ Code to clarify entitlements for victims of ASB that meet the criminal threshold.
- Working with the College of Policing to enhance training on identifying when ASB becomes a criminal matter.
- Exploring how enhanced oversight by the Victims’ Commissioner could improve responses to persistent ASB.
Alex Davies-Jones MP concluded by acknowledging the valuable insights provided by the Victims’ Commissioner’s report and reaffirming the government’s dedication to addressing the challenges identified.
