Victims' Commissioner

(asked on 11th October 2016) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what the powers are of the Victims' Commissioner.


Answered by
Phillip Lee Portrait
Phillip Lee
This question was answered on 19th October 2016

The role of the Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses is defined in the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004. It is to promote the interests of victims and witnesses, encourage good practice in their treatment, and regularly review the operation of the Code of Practice for Victims.

The Commissioner can make proposals to the Secretary of State for amending the Code, may report to the Secretary of State in connection with her duties, may provide advice in relation to victims or witnesses as requested, and may make recommendations to authorities which fall within her remit.

The Commissioner has no power to investigate individual cases or make recommendations on specific complaints. In line with the process set out in the Code, a victim is entitled to make a complaint to the service provider. If they remain dissatisfied they can refer their complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman via their member of Parliament.

We know there is more to do to further increase the rights of victims. We will announce our plans in due course.

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