Preet Kaur Gill MP for Birmingham Edgbaston welcomes support for child victims

This week the Government announced plans for a new and improved Victims’ Code and it matters because it’s about making sure every victim, especially children and young people, can understand their rights and get the support they need.

The Victims’ Code sets out in clear terms the basic rights people have when they’ve been harmed by crime including how they should be treated by the police, prosecutors, courts and other criminal justice agencies. It exists so that no one is left wondering “what happens now?” after reporting a crime. 

Under the Code, victims are entitled to things like:

              •            being treated with respect, dignity and sensitivity, and having information explained in ways they can understand;

              •            having the details of the crime recorded quickly and accurately;

              •            being kept informed about key steps in the process, such as when someone is charged or goes to court;

              •            accessing specialist support services, including referral or self-referral to help with emotional, practical or recovery needs;

              •            making a Victim Personal Statement so their experience and its impact are heard during sentencing. 

Too many young people, especially children, feel lost in the complexity of the criminal justice system. That’s why the Government is now working with young people and experts to develop a child-friendly version of the Code written in age-appropriate language so they can easily know what their rights are and how to get help. 

In practical terms, this means:

              •            police and other agencies must explain to victims including children what is happening, what support they can get and how to access it;

              •            from reporting a crime, through investigation and beyond, victims can confidently engage with the process knowing their rights are recognised and protected;

              •            for older children and young people (12+), there’s a focus on dignity and autonomy, including direct contact with case officers when appropriate. 

Preet Kaur Gill MP for Birmingham Edgbaston, said: “As someone who has worked with young people professionally, I know how important it is that victims are not left to navigate this on their own. These changes will help restore trust in the criminal justice system and give survivors especially the youngest, the confidence to come forward, stay engaged, and get the support they deserve.

I look forward to working with local stakeholders, expert organisations and my Government colleagues to make sure this new Victims’ Code delivers for victims in Birmingham Edgbaston and right across our country.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, David Lammy, said: “Navigating the justice system can be a challenge for many, but for children - a matrix! I’m incredibly proud of the changes to the Victims’ Code we’re exploring hand-in-hand with the people who will need it most.

“It’s unthinkable that an innocent and vulnerable child would ever need the criminal justice system, but it’s a reality we can’t ignore. Through the revisions we’re proposing, children will be the drivers on their journey to justice.”