Overview

This bill aims to improve the rights and entitlements of victims of crime in England and Wales. Key changes include strengthening the Victims' Code, mandating reporting of suspected child sexual abuse, establishing homicide reviews, and enhancing victim support services.

Description

Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse:

The bill introduces a mandatory duty for healthcare professionals, teachers, and social care workers in England and Wales to report suspected child sexual abuse to the police within 28 days. Exceptions exist if another professional has already reported the same incident or if a prescribed safeguarding policy is followed.

Homicide Reviews:

The bill requires reviews of unsolved or acquitted homicide cases, involving persons aged 16 or over. Specified bodies (police, local authorities, health services etc.) will be responsible, guided by standards set by the Victims' Commissioner.

Victims' Services Plans:

Elected local policing bodies must assess victims' needs and the effectiveness of support services in their areas, creating and annually submitting Area Victims' Plans to the Victims' Commissioner.

Enforcement of the Victims' Code:

The bill strengthens the enforcement mechanism for the Victims' Code by allowing complaints to be made directly to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, who must investigate and report to Parliament.

Victims' Entitlements:

The Victims' Code will be expanded to guarantee victims access to timely information, court support, protection measures, and liaison services. Vulnerable witnesses can give evidence remotely. Victims will have access to legal advice and financial compensation where deemed appropriate.

Court Procedures:

The bill mandates "ground rules hearings" in Crown Court cases involving vulnerable witnesses to determine appropriate protective measures. Decisions made in these hearings can be appealed to the Court of Appeal.

Right to Review of Prosecution Decisions:

The bill grants victims the right to request a review of decisions not to prosecute a crime. This review must be conducted by someone other than the original decision-maker.

Government Spending

The bill is likely to increase government spending on victim support services, training for relevant professionals, and the administration of homicide reviews and the expanded Victims' Code. Specific cost figures are not provided within the bill text itself.

Groups Affected

• Victims of crime: Will benefit from enhanced rights, entitlements, and support services.
• Healthcare professionals, teachers, and social workers: Will have a mandatory duty to report suspected child sexual abuse.
• Police forces and local authorities: Will have new responsibilities regarding victim services plans and homicide reviews.
• Crown Prosecution Service: Will have new procedures for reviewing decisions not to prosecute.
• Judges, barristers, and solicitors: Will be required to undergo specialist training.
• Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman: Will take on the additional role of investigating complaints about the Victims’ Code.

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