Lucy Allan MP has warmly welcomed the Government's announcement of a revised code of practice for victims of crime (victims' code).
The Code sets out the minimum level of services that victims of crime should receive from criminal justice agencies in England and Wales.
The changes, which come into effect today (Thursday, 1st April) build upon the existing entitlements to provide an improved service. For the first time the Code has been structured so that victims are the primary audience - something Lucy has long campaigned for.
Its twelve clearly defined overarching rights are both easy for victims to understand and clearly set out the level of service they can expect to receive from criminal justice agencies.
The Government hopes that this will help drive improvements in the experience of victims within the justice system and build the confidence and trust that they will receive the right support at the right time. It has sadly been the case that in some cases, not enough support has been available to victims of crime.
This new victim-focused approach will comprehensively change that.
Lucy Allan MP said:
"I am pleased that the Government is putting victims at the centre of the criminal justice system. This change, which is in effect from today, will build confidence in our justice system and ensure that we uphold our moral duty to support the victims of crime.
This is something I have campaigned on in parliament and am pleased that the Government is listening to Members of Parliament whose constituents may sadly have been victims of crime".
