The Josh Hanson Trust welcomes the publication of the Ministry of Justice’s new draft Victims’ Code, which strengthens victim rights.
“I am over the moon that the importance of the Victim Impact Statement has finally been recognised,” said CEO Tracey Hanson. “We’ve campaigned long and hard for this amendment. Finally, the consequences of crime upon victims are being recognised formally and Victim Impact statements will assist the court in deciding the seriousness of a crime at the time of sentencing.”
The new code states that victims have the right to share their new Victim Impact Statement in court, to illustrate how a crime has affected them, physically, emotionally, financially, or in any other way this is different to their witness statement.
“This announcement is fantastic news for all the victims of crime and their families who face trauma and life-changing circumstances due to violent crime. Without victims and witnesses, there is no justice system,” said Hanson. “This amendment recognises that victims must be treated with respect and given a platform to help bring about change.”
- The draft Victims’ Code sets out the services and a minimum standard for the services that must be provided to victims of crime by organisations in England and Wales.
- The consultation can be accessed here and closes on 30 April 2026.
