Victim's Code Flashcards
VCOP
Victim’s Code of Practice - statutory government document 2006:
Sets out services and a minimum standard for these services that must be provided to victims of crime by organisations
VCOP definitions
‘a person who has suffered har, including physical, mental, or emotional, or economic loss caused directly by a criminal offence’
As well as,
‘relatives of a person whose death was caused by a criminal offence’
Victim expectations
Treated in a respectful, sensitive and professional manner without discrimination of any kind
Given appropriate support
Protected fro being victimised
Shown how to access information and support
Kept informed about the progress of their case every 28 days
Be updated by the police when suspects are arrested, interviewed, released, under investigations, bailed, charged, disposal, within 1-5 working days
Victim entitlements - IPPT
Information - provided with information on the CJS, including what to expect and restorative justice, if appropriate
Progress - progress of the investigations, whether a prosecutions will take place, details and outcome of hearings, whether they need to give evidence, any appeals
Victim entitlements - IPPT
From Police - written acknowledgment of the crime, needs assessment, enhanced services, contact plan agreed, CJS and restorative justice explained, special measures explained, referral to support, updated on significant events, VPS, compensation, right to seek review, right to make a complaint
Trial - court familiarisation visit, opportunity to meet lawyer, option to have VPS read in court, opportunity to refresh their memory by reading their evidential statement before going to court
VPS - Victime Personal Statment
Opportunity to explain, in their own words, how a crime has affected them and their family, physically, emotionally, financially or any other impact
ISB - Statement for Business
Business of any size entitled to make an impact staten of they are a victim of a crime
Priority Victim’s
A victim of the most serious crime
Persistently targeted,( stalking / harassment) multiple cries committed against them
Priority Victim’s - vulnerbale
Age - under 18
Quality of their evidence is likely to be affected by: Suffer from metal disorder Significant impairment of intelligence Social functioning Physical disability
Priority Victim’s - Intimidated
Evidence they give affected by:
Fear or distress of testifying in court
The nature and alleged circumstances of the offence (sexual offences, human trafficking)
Priority Victim’s
All entitles to enhanced services
Notified of any changes or updates within 1 working day (as opposed to 5)
The legislation - 2 key pieces
Domestic Violence and Crime Act 2004 - the code established, and brought into effect in 2006
European Union Victim’s Directive 2015 - updated and established the minimum standards on the rights, support and protection for victims of crime
Victim Support Charities
London Victim Witness Service
Citizens Advice
MPS Witness Care Units
Service providers
Organisations that provide services under the Code are referred to as ‘service providers’ - must include information about the Codes of Practice for Victims of crime on their websites
The Police Competition and Markets Authority Department for Business Environment Agency Financial Conduct Authority Gabling Commission Health and Safety NCA Serious Fraud Office
Duties of service providers (the police)
Duty to provide: Written acknowledgment Clear explanation of what to expect A 'victim information leaflet' Advice on how they'll receive updates Explanation within 5 days Right to review Referral to London Victim and Witness Service
