Crime Victims Urged To Know Their Rights In London 2026

Key Points

• Criminal justice agencies in England and Wales are advising crime victims to learn their rights under the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (Victims’ Code).
• The Code details 12 statutory rights for victims, outlining standard levels of service from police, prosecutors, and court administration staff.
• People impacted by crime can access local and national support services even if they do not report the incident to the police.
• Automatic enhanced rights apply to victims under 18, individuals classified as vulnerable or intimidated, and those affected by serious offenses.
• Under the Code, victims have the right to submit a Victim Personal Statement, get regular updates on their case, learn about compensation claims, and lodge formal complaints if agencies breach their rights.

LONDON (Birmingham Express) September 21, 2026 – Members of the public who have experienced criminal activity across England and Wales are being urged to familiarise themselves with their statutory entitlements under the official Code of Practice for Victims of Crime. The nationwide awareness campaign highlights the 12 key rights guaranteed to individuals navigating the criminal justice process, ensuring that victims receive mandatory standards of support, information, and communication from initial reporting through to post-conviction procedures.

What is the Victims’ Code and who does it protect?

As detailed by legal compliance authorities at the Ministry of Justice, the Victims’ Code defines the explicit standard of service that key statutory agencies—including the police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), and the Probation Service—are legally obligated to deliver to crime victims.

As reported by justice reporting staff at the Ministry of Justice, official documentation confirms that “whoever you are and whatever the crime, you have the right to be informed about the criminal justice process and the support available”. The framework applies broadly to individuals, business representatives, and family members affected by crime.

Furthermore, as noted by legal analysts at the Crown Prosecution Service, individuals are eligible to access tailored support services directly from specialist providers even if they elect not to lodge a formal report with law enforcement authorities.

What are the 12 core statutory rights granted to crime victims?

The Victims’ Code sets out 12 distinct statutory rights establishing baseline entitlements for every victim throughout their interaction with criminal justice bodies:

1. To be able to understand and to be understood: Entitlement to receive information in clear, accessible language, alongside provisions for interpretation or translation services where required.
2. To have the details of the crime recorded without unjustified delay: The right to have reported incidents documented promptly by police forces.
3. To be provided with information when reporting the crime: Entitlement to written confirmation of a reported crime, information on the justice process, and details regarding available support networks.
4. To be referred to services that support victims: The right to be connected directly with support organisations capable of providing tailored assistance and court preparation guidance.
5. To be provided with information about compensation: Entitlement to receive clear information regarding eligibility to claim financial compensation for loss, damage, or injury.
6. To be provided with information about the investigation and prosecution: The right to regular case updates, notification of key decisions, and the ability to request reviews of certain decisions.
7. To make a Victim Personal Statement: Entitlement to explain in writing how the crime has impacted the victim personally, which is formally considered by the court during offender sentencing.
8. To be given information about the trial process and your role as a witness: The right to be informed of hearing dates, times, and locations, alongside dedicated witness support before and during proceedings.
9. To be given information about the outcome of the case and any appeals: Entitlement to timely updates regarding case verdicts, sentencing details, and any subsequent appeal outcomes.
10. To be paid expenses and have property returned: The right to claim eligible witness expenses and have seized personal property returned promptly following investigation completion.
11. To be given information about the offender following a conviction: Eligible victims of violent or sexual offenses sentenced to 12 months or more have the right to join the Victim Contact Scheme for updates on parole and release conditions.
12. To make a complaint about your rights not being met: Entitlement to submit formal complaints to responsible agencies, with recourse to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman if issues remain unresolved.

Who qualifies for enhanced support under the code?

As highlighted by specialist caseworkers at Victim Support, specific categories of victims qualify for enhanced rights to ensure extra protection throughout proceedings.

Enhanced entitlements automatically apply to victims under 18 years of age, individuals considered vulnerable or intimidated, and victims of serious offenses such as violent crime or domestic abuse. These extra provisions include faster updates following key decisions, priority referrals to specialist support agencies, and special measures at court—such as giving evidence behind screens or via live video link.

What is the background to this legal development?

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime was originally established under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 to replace fragmented administrative guidelines with a single statutory framework. Over subsequent revisions by the Ministry of Justice, the code has been updated to place clearer duties on criminal justice agencies, ensuring victims receive structured information, transparent case timelines, and formal redress mechanisms if agency duties are not fulfilled. The ongoing national initiative focuses on closing knowledge gaps so that victims are fully aware of their statutory rights when interacting with law enforcement and judicial authorities.

How will this development affect victims of crime and criminal justice agencies?

For crime victims and witnesses, increased awareness of these statutory rights provides greater clarity, reducing the distress and uncertainty often associated with navigating complex court processes. Knowing that support services can be accessed independently of reporting a crime ensures that vulnerable individuals can seek emotional and practical assistance without fear or hesitation.

For criminal justice agencies—including police forces, the Crown Prosecution Service, and court staff—the public emphasis on statutory rights increases operational accountability. Service providers must consistently uphold these standards, ensure timely communication, and maintain accessible complaint mechanisms to guarantee compliance across all administrative jurisdictions.