Overview

This bill aims to strengthen the rights and entitlements of crime victims in England and Wales. It introduces new statutory rights, enhances the role of the Victims' Commissioner, mandates reviews of decisions not to prosecute, establishes homicide reviews in certain cases, and requires mandatory reporting of suspected child sexual abuse.

Description

The bill defines "victims" broadly to include those directly harmed by crime and close relatives of victims, regardless of whether a complaint has been made or a conviction secured. It amends the existing victims' code of practice to ensure victims receive timely information, adequate court notification, and protection during proceedings. Key aspects include:

• Enhanced Victim Rights: Guarantees victims access to information, court proceedings updates, translation services, liaison officers, and legal aid where deemed necessary. It also entitles victims to review decisions not to prosecute, and to approve or refuse compensation orders.
• Local Policing Body Responsibilities: Requires elected local policing bodies to produce annual plans assessing victims' needs and the effectiveness of services, and to submit these to the Victims' Commissioner.
• Increased Commissioner Duties: Expands the Victims' Commissioner's responsibilities to include assessing area victims’ plans, publishing quality standards for victim services, and issuing guidance on homicide reviews.
• Homicide Reviews: Establishes mandatory reviews for homicides where there’s no conviction, to investigate why no charge was brought or why an acquittal occurred.
• Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse: Imposes a duty on specified professionals (healthcare, teaching, and social care) to report suspected child sexual abuse cases to the police within 28 days.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify exact figures for increased government spending. However, it will likely lead to increased costs associated with: implementing the new victim rights, funding the expanded duties of the Victims' Commissioner, conducting homicide reviews, providing specialist training to professionals, and potentially increasing support services for victims.

Groups Affected

• Victims of Crime: Will benefit from enhanced rights, improved access to information and support, and greater protection during legal processes.
• Relatives of Victims: Gain access to rights and support as defined in the bill.
• Elected Local Policing Bodies: Will face new responsibilities in assessing and planning victim services.
• The Victims' Commissioner: Will have significantly expanded duties and responsibilities.
• Professionals (Healthcare, Teaching, Social Care): Will be required to report suspected child sexual abuse.
• Prosecutors: Will face additional requirements related to notifying victims of decisions and providing opportunities for review.
• The Judiciary and Legal Professionals: Will require additional training on working with victims of sexual and domestic violence.

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