Delivering justice for victims: A consultation on improving victims’ experiences of the justice system
Applies to England and Wales
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
In December 2021, we launched “Delivering Justice for Victims” – a consultation setting out our intention to improve victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system across England and Wales. The aim of this consultation was to better understand the experiences of victims and harness expertise from frontline practitioners, as well as charities, specialist organisations, think-tanks, campaign groups and experts from across the criminal justice system, health services and local government.
The consultation ran for eight weeks, and we received 602 responses. We also organised 39 engagement events with frontline professionals and victims.
We consulted on how to improve what victims can expect within the criminal justice system, asking about:
- enshrining the Victims’ Code in law.
- considering additional entitlements for victims.
- improving oversight mechanisms of agencies so that victims are consistently treated in the way in which they are entitled.
We also consulted on how to improve aspects of victim support services, asking about:
- increasing the Victim Surcharge to make offenders pay more towards these services.
- strengthening coordination and partnership working to deliver more joined-up community-based services.
- improving support from ISVAs and IDVAs.
In response, we have set out a wide range of legislative and non-legislative measures to send a clear signal that the justice system must deliver justice for victims. We are publishing a draft Victims Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny, ensuring we will deliver on our manifesto commitment to pass and implement a Victims Law.
Consultation response: BSL translation
Victims’ Bill Consultation response: Foreward and Introduction (video 1 of 5)
Victims’ Bill Consultation response, British Sign Language version: Foreword and Introduction (1/5)
Victims’ Bill Consultation response: Chapter 1, Meeting expectations (video 2 of 5)
Victims’ Bill Consultation response: Chapter 2, Improving oversight and driving better performance (video 3 of 5)
Victims’ Bill Consultation response: Chapter 3, Supporting victims of crime (video 4 of 5)
Victims’ Bill Consultation response: Chapter 4, Improving advocacy support (video 5 of 5)
Original consultation
Consultation description
This consultation is the first significant step towards a landmark ‘Victims’ Law’ - a Bill which will build on the foundations provided by the Victims’ Code to substantially improve victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system. It will make a tangible difference to ensuring all victims of crime receive the support they need through and beyond the criminal justice process.
This consultation will consider how we can make concrete improvements to victims’ experience of and confidence in the criminal justice system, and their support. The resulting legislation will be the cornerstone of our work across government to ensure that victims’ needs lie at the heart of the criminal justice system.
The consultation asks questions across five key issues, focusing on::
- What victims should expect
- Performance and accountability
- The Victim Surcharge
- Community-based support services
- Improved advocacy support
This consultation is open to the public. We would be particularly interested to hear from victims of crime, organisations representing victims, the police, criminal justice practitioners, service providers, health care professionals, Police and Crime Commissioners, local authorities and community safety partnerships.
Requesting an extension to respond to the consultation
The Victims’ Bill consultation opened on 9 December 2021 and it will close on 3 February 2022. The Ministry of Justice is able to consider requests to extend the deadline by up to 14 days for individuals and organisations in certain exceptional circumstances. Factors which we can consider include:
- Accessibility issues in responding to the consultation
- Exceptional pressure resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic (such as extremely high levels of staff absence in your organisation).
To request an extension, please contact the official consultation mailbox: victimsbillconsultation@justice.gov.uk.
Requests must clearly set out the reason the extension is needed, explaining the impact of the factors set out above. It must also set out the length of the extension you are requesting. We will consider requests on a case-by-case basis and aim to respond as soon as possible.
Requests should be submitted before the consultation deadline (3 February 2022).
Support
We understand that engaging with this consultation may be difficult for people who are victims of crime. For anyone who has been affected by issues covered by the consultation, please see the support services listed on GOV.UK: Get support as a victim of crime
Consultation information and questions: BSL translation
Victims’ Bill Consultation: beginning to chapter 1 (pages 1 to 19)
Victims’ Bill Consultation, British Sign Language version (1/3) - beginning to chapter 1
Victims’ Bill Consultation: chapter 2 to chapter 3 (pages 20 to 39)
Victims’ Bill Consultation, British Sign Language version (2/3) - chapter 2 to chapter 3
Victims’ Bill Consultation: chapter 3 to end (pages 40 to 68)
Victims’ Bill Consultation, British Sign Language version (3/3) - chapter 3 to end
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 9 December 2021Last updated 1 June 2022 + show all updates
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Easy Read version of the consultation response published.
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British Sign Language translation of consultation response published.
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Publication of Government response
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Information about requesting an extension to respond to the consultation
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British Sign Language videos of the consultation added.
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HTML version added
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First published.