A new Victims’ Code: quick read
Published 5 February 2026
Applies to England and Wales
© Crown copyright 2026
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-new-victims-code/a-new-victims-code-quick-read
Introduction
This consultation is about plans to create a new Victims’ Code.
The Victims’ Code explains what victims of crime can expect from criminal justice agencies such as the police, courts and probation services. It sets out the minimum standards of service victims should receive.
The government wants to make the Victims’ Code clearer, easier to understand and more consistent, so victims know their rights and get the support and information they need.
Why the Victims’ Code is changing
The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 requires the government to issue a new Victims’ Code.
Feedback from victims and organisations shows that while the current Victims’ Code provides an important foundation, there is room for improvement. Some victims are not told about their rights, while others receive information at the wrong time or in a way that is hard to understand.
The government wants a Victims’ Code that:
- is easier for victims to understand and use
- works better for both adults and children
- sets clear expectations for criminal justice agencies
- helps victims feel informed, supported and able to take part
The main proposals
This section explains the main proposals and where you can share your views.
1. Assessing victims’ needs more effectively
Victims have different needs. Some may need help with communication, support to feel safe, or adjustments to help them take part in the justice process.
Criminal justice agencies carry out needs assessments to understand how to support victims. However, these assessments are not always done consistently, and the information gathered is not always used to improve services.
The government proposes to make it clearer that needs assessments should:
- provide victims with information about their rights under the Code
- focus on understanding the victim, not ticking boxes
- be carried out in a trauma-informed way
Under the proposals, needs assessments would happen at several different stages:
- when a victim first contacts the police
- during the investigation
- before the victim gives evidence
The consultation also asks whether there should be a further needs assessment at the end of a case, and how agencies can make sure assessments are carried out to a high standard.
2. Improving how the system works for child victims
Children experience crime differently from adults and often need information and support in different ways. Many children are not routinely spoken to directly about what is happening in their case.
The government is proposing a new framework to the Victims’ Code to guide how criminal justice agencies communicate with child victims. The approach would depend on a child’s age and understanding, while always acting in their best interests.
The proposed approach is:
- Under 12: information is usually given to a parent or carer on the child’s behalf
- Ages 12 to 15: children are normally offered information directly as well as through a parent or carer
- Ages 16 and 17: young people are usually communicated with directly, unless this is not appropriate
The proposals also include clearer sections in the Victims’ Code explaining what child victims can expect, how parents or carers may be involved, and how children’s views can be heard safely.
The consultation asks whether this framework is right, whether the age groupings work, and what else should be included to better support child victims.
3. Improving communication and case information
Victims often say they receive too much information at once, or not enough at the right time. Some information is routine, while other updates are sensitive and need careful handling.
The government wants to improve the quality and timing of communication with victims. This includes exploring whether digital services could be used for routine updates, while keeping sensitive communication personal and trauma-informed.
The proposals aim to improve things like:
- giving victims information in ways that suit their needs
- using digital tools for basic updates where appropriate
- freeing up professionals’ time for sensitive conversations
The consultation also looks at whether some communication or referral tasks could be carried out by trusted partners, where this would improve the service while ensuring we keep victims’ data protected.
4. Giving victims better opportunities to take part
Many victims say they are not clearly offered opportunities to take part, or do not understand what those opportunities involve.
Victim Impact Statements
The government proposes to rename Victim Personal Statements as Victim Impact Statements, to better reflect their purpose.
The Victims’ Code would clearly explain:
- what a Victim Impact Statement is
- how it is used in court
- when victims should be offered the chance to make one
Victims would be offered this opportunity when a suspect is charged and again when a trial date is set.
Sentencing, parole and ongoing contact
The consultation also looks at how victims are told about sentencing hearings, offender attendance and sentencing decisions, and how these are explained.
For victims eligible for the Victim Contact Scheme, the government is asking whether:
- victims should be offered the scheme more than once
- consent should be required before further contact
The consultation also asks (in cases being considered by the Parole Board) whether victims should be able to share their views about an offender’s release, even where those views cannot affect the Parole Board’s decision.
5. Helping victims understand their rights
Only a small number of victims currently know about the Victims’ Code. Many are told about it once, at a stressful time, and may not remember the information.
The government proposes to:
- tell victims about the Victims’ Code at more than one point in their case
- link this to needs assessments
- provide standard physical or digital materials explaining the Victims’ Code
Examples of proposed materials include a small card with a link or QR code, or a short leaflet explaining key rights.
The consultation also asks how the code can be made more accessible for children, including through child-friendly formats such as videos or digital tools.
6. Additional updates to the Victims’ Code
The draft Victims’ Code also includes updates to reflect new laws, clearer definitions and practical changes. These cover areas such as compensation, restorative justice, complaints, data protection and support for specific groups of victims.
The government is asking for views on whether this information is clear and helpful.
7. Equality considerations
The government has considered how these proposals may affect people with protected characteristics, such as disability, age, sex and race.
It is asking whether the equality impacts have been identified correctly, and whether anything has been missed.
How to respond
You can read about the proposals in full in the main consultation document.
Anyone can respond to this consultation, including victims, families, professionals and organisations.
You can respond online to the consultation questions. You do not have to answer every question.
The consultation is open until 30 April 2026.
A summary of responses will be published, and feedback will be used to inform the final Victims’ Code.