Victims' rights

Our achievements in criminal justice

We have achieved many policy successes. Victims' and witnesses' interests are now high on the political agenda.

In recent years, a wide range of new procedures and legislation have been announced. This shows that, one by one, the rights we have identified have been recognised and action has been taken.

We have contributed to improvements in victims' and witnesses' rights in relation to

the 1996 Victim's charter, which made sure that all victims could be kept informed about developments in their cases
the Protection from Harassment Act
the Family Law Act
the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act and other the measures set out in the Home Office's report Speaking up for justice
the development of the Probation Service's contact with victims of serious offences, put into statute in the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act
victim personal statements - victims can let the criminal justice agencies know about their needs and interests
direct communication with victims by the Crown Prosecution Service when charges are dropped or downgraded
Lord Justice Auld's Review of the criminal courts
the consultation on the Review of the victim's charter, which led to the victims' Code of practice referred to in the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill
the government's consultation on domestic violence Safety and justice
the government's strategy on restorative justice
the Criminal Justice Act
the Sexual Offences Act (following the review of sexual offences).

Victim Support will continue to work closely with everyone involved in the introduction of these new measures to make sure that they are as effective as possible.

Victims' rights

Our achievements in criminal justice

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