New Victims' Code gives automatic right to know when offender is leaving prison

Crime victims have the automatic right to be informed when an offender is due to leave prison under a new Victims' Code that takes effect today.

Crime victims have the automatic right to be informed when an offender is due to leave prison under a new Victims' Code that takes effect today.

Victims of rape and sexual violence also now get the right to choose the gender of their police interviewer.

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It is structured around 12 overarching rights and includes giving vulnerable people clearer advice on when they can have evidence pre-recorded ahead of a trial - rather than face stressful cross-examination.

For the first time, eligible victims will also be automatically offered a victim liaison officer to provide updates on offenders as they serve their sentence, including their potential release date.The officer can help victims apply for licence conditions to reduce the chance of them encountering the offender, and assist if they want to request a review of a parole decision.

Victims also get the right to be informed of the reasons why a suspect won't be prosecuted and can ask the police or Crown Prosecution Service for a review if they are unhappy.

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