07 April 2021
New victims code
Victims of alleged crimes attending court will have the right not to see the defendant before or after their case under a new code that comes into force today.
The Victims’ Code, which focuses on 12 overarching rights, sets out the minimum level of service victims can expect from criminal justice agencies such as the police, Crown Prosecution Service and courts.
Right 8 allows victims to enter through a different court entrance from the defendant and wait in a separate area before and after the case has been heard. The code states that some court buildings do not have separate entrances for victims. However, staff will ensure the victim does not see the defendant on arrival.
