Campaign raising awareness of victims’ rights across West Midlands
New drive comes after survey finds just 2.5 per cent of people knew about the Victims’ Code
A new campaign has been launched across the West Midlands to improve awareness of the rights available to victims of crime.
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and Victims’ Advocate Natalie Queiroz have launched the campaign after a region-wide survey found that just 2.5 per cent of almost 1,000 people questioned knew of the Victims’ Code.
The code has been in place for more than 20 years and sets out the rights and minimum level of service victims should receive from criminal justice agencies.
Throughout September and early October, the campaign will appear on mobile phones, digital billboards and on public transport across the West Midlands, with QR codes linking people directly to the dedicated Victims’ Code webpage.
PCC Foster hopes the campaign will spread much needed awareness.
He said: "I am deeply concerned that 20 years after the Victims Code was introduced only 2.5 per cent of people could demonstrate any knowledge of the Code.
"The Victims’ Code exists to protect victims, survivors and witnesses and their rights must always be at the forefront.
"Too often, policing and criminal justice agencies are failing to comply with the Victims’ Code of Practice. That is unacceptable and it must change."
West Midlands Victims’ Advocate Natalie Quieroz MBE added: “The Victims’ Code is one of the most important ‘guides' available to anyone affected by crime, but it can only make a difference if people know about it.
“By raising awareness, we are helping to empower victims to ask for the support, information and services they are entitled to receive."