Overview

This Bill enhances rights and entitlements for crime victims in England and Wales. It strengthens the victims' code of practice, expands the role of the Victims' Commissioner, introduces homicide reviews, and mandates reporting of suspected child sexual abuse by certain professionals.

Description

The Bill significantly improves the treatment of crime victims. Key aspects include:

Victims' Code of Practice

The Bill strengthens the existing victims' code of practice, guaranteeing victims accurate and timely information, adequate court notice, information about the perpetrator, access to translation services, and contact details of involved agencies. It also ensures victims are treated with dignity and respect, and are protected from unnecessary delays and discrimination. Children and vulnerable adults can give evidence remotely or from behind screens. Victims receive case updates from a liaison and free access to transcripts. They can attend and make representations at pre-court hearings. The bill also includes access to financial compensation, approval of compensation orders, reimbursement of expenses, and access to legal advice where deemed necessary.

Enforcement of the Code

The Bill amends the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 to allow complaints about breaches of the victims’ code of practice to be investigated and reported on, with reports sent to relevant parties and Parliament.

Area Victims' Plans

Elected local policing bodies must assess victims' needs and the effectiveness of services, producing annual plans that are reviewed by the Victims' Commissioner.

Commissioner's Duties

The Commissioner's responsibilities expand to include assessing area victims' plans, making recommendations, developing quality standards for victims' services, and providing 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 regulations to specify procedures and the reviewing body.

Homicide Reviews

Reviews will be established in selected cases where someone over 16 dies in a homicide, and no conviction is secured. Relevant bodies, including police and local authorities will participate.

Training on Working with Victims

Mandatory specialist training for professionals involved in sexual and domestic violence cases on how to work with victims is required, with a timetable for delivery within six months.

Ground Rules Hearings

Crown Courts must hold ground rules hearings in cases where vulnerable witnesses are called to give evidence.

Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse

Healthcare professionals, teachers, and social care workers are required to report suspected child sexual abuse to police. Safeguarding policies may exempt certain situations.

Government Spending

The bill will lead to increased government spending on supporting victims’ services, carrying out homicide reviews, and providing training. Exact figures are not specified in the bill text itself.

Groups Affected

The Bill will affect:

• Victims of crime: Gain increased rights, entitlements, and protections.
• Elected local policing bodies: Required to develop and submit area victims' plans.
• Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses: Takes on expanded responsibilities.
• Prosecutors: Subject to new review processes regarding decisions not to prosecute.
• Healthcare professionals, teachers, and social care workers: Obligated to report suspected child sexual abuse.
• Judges, barristers, solicitors, and other criminal justice professionals: Required to undergo specialist training.

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