Victims and Courts Bill receives Royal Assent to become law
Victims of crime will benefit from a series of crucial measures to ensure they get the support, protection and dignity they deserve, as the Victims and Courts Bill becomes law.
The Victims and Courts Bill has received Royal Assent - marking an important step towards building a justice system that works better for victims.
For the first time ever, the new law will allow judges to hand down prison punishments for cowardly criminals who refuse to attend their sentencing hearing. The measures will also protect innocent children by restricting the exercise of parental responsibility by offenders sentenced for serious child sexual abuse, and where a rape has resulted in the birth of a child.
The new legislation will also ensure that victims are not prevented from speaking out against crime and have longer than ever to challenge sentences they don’t feel fit the crime they’ve suffered.
The move is a vital part of the Government’s Plan for Change – helping to deliver justice for all victims and restore faith in the justice system.
Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy said:
The new legislation will include a series of important measures for victims and bereaved families. These include, but are not limited to:
Victims and Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls Alex Davies-Jones said:
The new Victims and Courts Act will also give victims confidence about the routes available to receive information about their offender’s release, by updating post-conviction communication schemes.
It will also remove outdated restrictions on who the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) can appoint as Crown Prosecutors, allowing a larger pool of suitably qualified candidates to take on the role.
The new Act builds on wider action the government has introduced to support victims and ensure they get the fast and fair justice they deserve. This includes: