Children to Receive Swifter Justice Under Revised Victims’ Code

What are the proposed changes to the Victims’ Code – and why are they being brought about?

The Government has announced plans to overhaul the Victims’ Code, with a renewed focus on supporting child victims through the criminal justice system.

Central to the reforms is the creation of the first ever child-friendly version of the Victims’ Code, designed to help children better understand their rights and access support following crime.

The proposals, published by the Ministry of Justice and led by Alex Davies-Jones MP, aim to address longstanding concerns that children affected by crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence often struggle to navigate a system designed primarily with adults in mind.

A Child-Focused Approach to Victims’ Rights

Under the proposed changes, the Government will work directly with children, young people and specialist experts to develop a simplified and age-appropriate version of the Victims’ Code.

This will explain, in clear language, what a child victim is entitled to expect from the justice system, including their right to be referred to support services or to self-refer where appropriate.

For children aged 12 and over, the revised Code also proposes more direct engagement with police officers and probation services, alongside parents or guardians.

The intention is to give young victims greater autonomy and dignity, while ensuring appropriate safeguarding remains in place.

The Government has said that clearer information and improved communication from the point of reporting through to trial and beyond should help reduce attrition, encouraging victims to remain engaged with proceedings.

Wider Changes to the Victims’ Code

The reforms are not limited to children. The updated Code will introduce new core principles applying to all victims, alongside improved training for criminal justice agencies.

These changes are intended to raise standards of communication and consistency across policing, prosecution and probation.

Compliance with the Victims’ Code is already enshrined in law, but the Government has confirmed that the strengthened role of the Victims’ Commissioner will allow for greater scrutiny where agencies fall short without good reason.

The changes form part of the Government’s wider Plan for Change and were a manifesto commitment.

What Ministers and Commissioners Have Said

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy acknowledged the particular challenges faced by children, describing the justice system as overwhelming for young victims.

He said the revised Code would allow children to play a more active role in their journey through the justice process, while recognising their vulnerability.

Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, welcomed the proposals, noting that many children find the justice system confusing or re-traumatising.

She emphasised the importance of children being listened to, treated with dignity, and supported in a way that reflects their distinct needs rather than those of adult victims.

Claire Waxman OBE, the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, highlighted that victims’ rights are not optional and that inconsistent delivery has left too many feeling marginalised.

She described the consultation as an important opportunity to rebuild trust and ensure victims’ experiences sit at the heart of the justice system.

Looking at it from a Criminal Defence Perspective

Reforms of this nature have important procedural implications.

Improved communication and support for child victims may increase engagement with investigations and prosecutions, potentially leading to more cases progressing to charge and trial.

Defence teams will be particularly alert to how enhanced involvement of children aged 12 and over is managed in practice.

Safeguards around interviews, disclosure, and the reliability of evidence will remain critical, especially where young witnesses are given a more active role in proceedings.

It will also be important to ensure that increased support for victims does not undermine fundamental fairness for defendants, including the right to challenge evidence and test credibility where appropriate.

Consultation and Next Steps

A three-month public consultation on the revised Victims’ Code will run from February to April 2026.

The Code applies to all victims of crime, whether or not an offence is formally reported, and defines children as anyone under the age of 18.

The Government has also launched an “Understand Your Rights” campaign across England and Wales to raise awareness of the Victims’ Code and direct victims to further information and support.

As these proposals develop, their real impact will depend on how consistently they are applied across police forces, prosecutors and courts, and how well the system balances the needs of vulnerable victims with the rights of those accused.

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