The City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, Councillor Obaida Ahmed, is backing a campaign by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and Victims’ Advocate Natalie Queiroz MBE to ensure people know about the Victims Code.
It sets out the rights and minimum level of service victims of crime should receive from criminal justice agencies, including the right to have the details of the crime recorded without unjustified delay, to be provided with information when reporting the crime, to be referred to victim support services, to make a victim personal statement and make a complaint if those rights are not met.
Over the next few weeks, adverts carrying the message ‘Victim? Don’t lose sight of your rights’ will appear on mobile phones, digital billboards and inside buses and trains across the West Midlands.
The campaign forms part of a wider programme of engagement, with staff on hand at the Mander Centre earlier this month to tell shoppers about the Victims’ Code and the support available to victims of crime, and attending the University of Wolverhampton's welcome fair this week to speak directly with students and staff.
Councillor Ahmed said: "No one should feel alone if they become a victim of crime. Knowing your rights is an important first step in getting the help, support and information you need.
"I am pleased to support this campaign and to be able to join representatives from the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner at the University of Wolverhampton's welcome fair this week to speak directly with students and staff.
“I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity to find out more about the Victims’ Code so they know what support they can expect if they ever need it."
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “The Victims’ Code exists to protect victims, survivors and witnesses. It sets out clear minimum rights and entitlements which criminal justice agencies must provide, yet far too many people do not know these rights exist.
“The rights and welfare of victims, survivors and witnesses must always be at the forefront of policing and the wider criminal justice system. Too often, policing and criminal justice agencies are failing to comply with the Victims’ Code of Practice. That is unacceptable and it must change.
“This campaign has one clear message: as a victim, you have rights that you are entitled to and criminal justice agencies must comply with them.”
West Midlands Victims’ Advocate Natalie Quieroz MBE added: “Every victim deserves to understand their rights from the very beginning of their journey throughout the whole criminal justice system. By raising awareness, we are helping to empower victims to ask for the support, information and services they are entitled to receive.
“I encourage everyone to take a few moments to learn about the Victims’ Code because knowing your rights can make a real difference at what is often one of the most challenging times in a person’s life.”
To find out more, please visit Victims’ Code.
