Victims' Code of Practice
A Guide for Victims
Click here to download the guide for victims on the Code of Practice
Victims of crime in West Yorkshire have for the first time got legal rights to a minimum standard of information, protection and support, thanks to the Victims' Code of Practice that was launched in April 2006.
The code ensures all victims are kept up to date on the progress of their case and it also provides an enhanced service for vulnerable and intimidated victims.
Victims are entitled to appeal to an independent body if they feel they have not received the level of service they are entitled to under the code.
Victims can expect:
- A right to information about their case with specified timescales, including the right to be notified of arrests and court cases
- A dedicated family liaison police officer to be assigned to bereaved relatives
- All victims to be told about Victim Support and referred to them if appropriate
- An enhanced service for vulnerable or intimidated victims
The Government aims to ensure that every victim, including relatives of people who have died as a result of that crime, has access to information on support services in their local area.
If victims feel that any of the service providers have not delivered their obligations under the Victims' Code, and are dissatisfied with the response to their complaint, they can take their case to the Parliamentary Ombudsman via their MP. The Ombudsman can recommend a number of remedies, including an apology, changes in processes, and even consolatory payments to victims.
Click here to download details of the complaints procedure
For more information, visit www.cjsonline.gov.uk and click on the 'victim' or 'witness' tab.