Code of Practice for Victims of Crime

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (the Victims' Code) was launched on 3 April 2006.

It sets out the minimum standards of service victims can expect to receive from each agency within the criminal justice system, and offers an enhanced service for vulnerable or intimidated victims.

For the first time victims are also given the legal right to appeal should they feel that any agency has not met their obligations.

If any victim feels that they have not received the level of service they are entitled to under the Code, and are dissatisfied with the response to their complaint, they can take their case to the Parliamentary Ombudsman via their MP.

Victim and witness care is a priority for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and we are committed to the Code's obligations, which formalise many of the good things we are already doing.

The CPS will:

• Inform victims, either directly or through the police, if we decide not to charge someone in relation to their case.  Notification will be within five working days of this decision being made; vulnerable and intimidated witnesses will be told within one working day
• Tell victims, within five working days, if we decide to drop or substantially alter the charges after someone has been charged with the offence. Vulnerable and intimidated witnesses will be informed within one working day
• Offer to meet the victim or the victim's family to discuss this decision if the case involved a death caused by criminal conduct, child abuse, sexual offences, racially or religiously aggravated offences or offences with a homophobic or transphobic element
• Ensure that a representative from the CPS introduces themselves to the victim at court, answers any questions the victim may have and gives an indication of waiting times
• Pay the victim expenses within ten working days of receiving the completed claim form
• Answer any question the victim has about the sentence in their case when referred by the Witness Care Unit.