Wiltshire PCC welcomes strengthened Victims’ Code delivering swifter justice for children

The Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed the Government’s renewed Victims’ Code which promises clearer rights, stronger support and faster justice for child victims across England and Wales. 

The updated Code includes the creation of the first ever child friendly version, developed hand in hand with children and young people to ensure they understand their rights and know how to access support following a crime. It will set out, in simple and age appropriate language, what help is available and how victims can be referred or self refer to specialist services. 

It also proposes enhanced communication standards across the criminal justice system, including more direct contact between police or probation officers and victims aged 12 and over, where appropriate, helping to give children greater dignity, autonomy, and safety as they navigate the justice process. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “I fully welcome these strengthened commitments to child victims. Too many young people struggle to navigate a justice system that feels complex, intimidating and overwhelming. Creating a child‑friendly Victims’ Code is an essential step forward—one that puts children at the centre of their own journey to justice. 

“Here in Wiltshire, we are committed to ensuring that every child who becomes a victim of crime gets the clarity, compassion and support they deserve—from the moment they report an incident through to recovery. We will work closely with our partners to make sure these national improvements translate into real, practical change for families locally.” 

The OPCC will continue working with Wiltshire Police and local commissioned services to ensure the Code’s strengthened standards are fully reflected in local practice. 

Debbie Beadle, CEO of FearFree, which supports young victims of sexual violence, domestic abuse and stalking in Wiltshire, said: "Every year, we support thousands of children who are victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, and we witness first‑hand the additional trauma that navigating the criminal justice system places on them. 

“We welcome the renewed Victims’ Code and view it as an important step towards ensuring that every child receives the support they deserve. We urge continued focus on placing children’s rights, voices, and wellbeing at the heart of every decision within the criminal justice system." 

First Light provides an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service for children, young people and adults across Wiltshire, and also operates the county’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). 

CEO Lyn Gooding said: “Children who have experienced sexual violence deserve a justice system that speaks their language, not one that silences them with complexity and jargon. The updated Victims' Code is a meaningful step forward, and as the organisation delivering both ISVA and SARC services in Wiltshire, we will make sure it translates into real, tangible change for the young people we support." 

The updated Code sits alongside the national Understand Your Rights campaign, now running across England and Wales to ensure every victim—whatever the crime—understands the support they are entitled to. At the same time, a national consultation is inviting views on proposed revisions to strengthen victims’ entitlements, improve communication from justice agencies, and establish clearer minimum standards of support across the criminal justice process. 

Victims, families, professionals and the wider public are encouraged to share their views before the consultation closes on 30 April 2026. You can take part here.