Victims code

Question 1

What is the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime?

Answer 1

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime is a statutory government document which came into effect in 2006. It sets out the services and a minimum standard for these services that must be provided to victims of crime by organisations (referred to as service providers) in England and Wales.

Question 2

What 2 pieces of legislation is the victims code underpinned by?

Answer 2

• Domestic violence and crime act 2004
• European union victim’s directive 2015

Question 3

Who is eligible for the victims code?

Answer 3

• Victims – entitled to receive services under the code once they’ve made an allegation to the police they have suffered harm.
• The code can apply to indirect victims such as close relatives of a death caused by a criminal offence.
• Witnesses - If someone has witnessed a criminal offence but is not a victim, they can access services under the Witness Charter rather than the Code.