Home / The Victims Code of Practice (VCoP)

Victim and Witness Information - Know Your Rights

If you’ve been a victim or a witness of crime, your rights are explained in the latest version of the Victims Code of Practice (VCOP). The Code promotes that all victims of crime should be treated in a professional manner, with respect, sensitivity and without discrimination.

View the full Victims Code of Practice (VCOP) here

Despite the entitlement of all victims to receive information about Restorative Justice, not everyone is aware of their rights or entitlements.

All PCC’s are required to make sure that victim services providing RJ, are available in their area. Within Cleveland, this is commissioned through Restorative Cleveland.

Service, such as ours, are essential in enabling more victims to make informed choices, at a time that best suits them. Assurance should be given that all restorative processes will be facilitated by skilled, trained Practitioners, able to assess risk and need, necessary in safeguarding participants and preventing re-victimisation.

Baroness Helen Newlove

Baroness Newlove was the Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales, from 2012 to 2019. As part of our official Service Launch in November 2018, Baroness Newlove kindly sent us this fantastic video message, highlighting the essential role of the Victims Code of Practice (VCoP).

We couldn’t agree with her more: all victims should be given the opportunity to receive information about Restorative Justice, as this can be hugely beneficial to their recovery.