Overview

This Bill strengthens the rights and entitlements of crime victims in England and Wales. It introduces new statutory rights, enhances the role of the Victims' Commissioner, and mandates reporting of suspected child sexual abuse.

Description

The Bill significantly expands the rights of crime victims, including:

Victims' Code of Practice:

The Bill strengthens the Victims' Code of Practice to ensure victims receive timely information, adequate notice of proceedings, information about perpetrators, access to translation services, and contact details of relevant agencies. It also guarantees victims dignified treatment, protection during proceedings, liaison support, access to transcripts, and the right to attend pre-court hearings. The bill provides financial compensation for economic harm, approval rights regarding compensation orders, reimbursement of expenses and access to legal advice.

Enforcement of the Code:

The Bill amends the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 to allow for complaints regarding breaches of the Victims' Code, with investigations and reports to Parliament.

Area Victims' Plans:

Elected local policing bodies must assess victims' needs and the effectiveness of services, publishing annual plans and submitting them to the Victims' Commissioner.

Commissioner's Duties:

The Bill expands the Victims' Commissioner's duties to include assessment of area victims' plans, recommendations to local policing bodies, publication of service standards, and guidance on homicide reviews.

Right to Review Decisions Not to Prosecute:

Victims gain the right to request a review of a decision not to prosecute, with rules to be set by regulations.

Homicide Reviews:

Homicide reviews will be established for cases where no one has been charged or where there has been an acquittal, to investigate why there was no conviction.

Training on Treating Victims:

Mandatory specialist training will be provided to those involved in cases of sexual and domestic violence.

Ground Rules Hearings:

Crown Courts must hold ground rules hearings for witnesses eligible for assistance due to age, incapacity, fear, or distress.

Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse:

Professionals working with children (healthcare professionals, teachers, social care workers) have a duty to report suspected child sexual abuse to the police within 28 days.

Government Spending

The Bill will likely lead to increased government spending on victim support services, homicide reviews, and training, although precise figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Victims of crime: Gain significantly enhanced rights and entitlements.
• The Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses: Assumes increased responsibilities.
• Elected local policing bodies: Required to develop and submit area victims' plans.
• Healthcare professionals, teachers, and social care workers: Have a mandatory duty to report suspected child sexual abuse.
• Judges, barristers, solicitors, Crown Prosecution Service, and other professionals involved in the criminal justice system: Will be required to undertake specialist training.
• UK Government: Increased spending on victim support services and training is expected.

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