Child victims of crime are set to receive faster justice and clearer support under a strengthened Victims’ Code, as the Government announces plans to create the UK’s first ever child-friendly

version of the code.

Unveiled today (5 February), the reforms aim to ensure children and young people who experience crime — including domestic abuse and sexual violence — are better informed, better supported and treated with dignity throughout the justice process.

For many young victims, navigating the criminal justice system can be confusing and overwhelming. Too often, children do not know what their rights are or where to turn for help after a crime. The new approach seeks to change that.

A Victims’ Code designed with children

For the first time, the Government will work directly with children, young people and experts to produce a child-friendly Victims’ Code written in clear, age-appropriate language. The guide will explain a child’s rights as a victim of crime, including how to access support services and whether they can refer themselves for help.

The updated code will also introduce proposals allowing children aged 12 and over to have more direct contact with police and probation officers alongside their parents or guardians. Ministers say this will give young victims greater autonomy, reassurance and a stronger sense of safety as they move through the justice system.

From the moment a crime is reported to the conclusion of a case and beyond, the strengthened code is designed to encourage victims to stay engaged, confident that the system is working in their best interests.

Raising awareness of victims’ rights

Alongside the reforms, the Government is rolling out an “Understand Your Rights” campaign across England and Wales. The campaign aims to raise awareness of the Victims’ Code and ensure all victims — regardless of age or type of crime — know the protections and support available to them.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said navigating the justice system can be daunting for anyone, but particularly for children.

“For children, it can feel like a maze,” he said. “That’s why I’m incredibly proud that we’re developing these changes hand-in-hand with the people who need them most. While no child should ever have to engage with the criminal justice system, it’s a reality we must confront — and we must do better.”

He added that the reforms would allow children to take a more active role in their journey to justice.

Stronger standards across the justice system

Beyond children’s rights, the revised Victims’ Code will introduce new fundamental principles and improved training for agencies across the justice system. The aim is to raise standards of communication, ensure consistency and prevent victims from feeling ignored or sidelined.

Compliance with the Victims’ Code is enshrined in law. Once the new measures are fully commenced, the Victims’ Commissioner will have strengthened powers to hold criminal justice agencies to account if they fail to meet required standards without good reason.

Reforming the Victims’ Code was a key Government manifesto commitment.

Support from children’s advocates

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza welcomed the changes, saying many children describe the justice system as confusing or even traumatising.

“Child victims need to be listened to, treated with care and dignity, and supported to understand their rights,” she said. “This updated Victims’ Code sets those rights out far more clearly and recognises that children have very different needs to adults.”

She said she looks forward to working with ministers during the consultation to ensure children’s real experiences shape the final version of the code.

Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales Claire Waxman OBE also praised the consultation, describing it as a crucial step toward rebuilding trust.

“The rights in the Victims’ Code are not optional — they are essential,” she said. “Too many victims still feel sidelined by the justice process. This is a vital opportunity to close that gap and ensure agencies are held accountable.”

Part of a wider push to protect women and children

The announcement follows a series of recent Government measures aimed at tackling violence and abuse, including the launch of a landmark strategy to combat violence against women and girls.

Ministers have also committed to reforms in the family courts to prioritise children’s safety, a review of guidelines to prevent the criminalisation of children in care, and proposals to remove parental responsibility from individuals convicted of serious sexual offences against children or where a child is born as a result of rape.

Together, the measures signal a broader effort to put victims — especially children — at the heart of the justice system. Photo by Mick Lobb, Wikimedia commons.