Victims and Prisoners Act 2024: New Rights for Crime Victims to Share Information

In a significant move for crime victims in England and Wales, the UK government has introduced new regulations under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024. These changes, effective from 1st June 2025 for regulations and 1st October 2025 for all other purposes, aim to empower victims by ensuring they can share information about their experiences without legal restrictions.

Key Highlights:

• What’s Changing?
  Section 17 of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 has been activated. This section nullifies any agreement clauses that prevent crime victims from disclosing their experiences to specific bodies, such as law enforcement, qualified lawyers, and support service providers. This change is pivotal in ensuring victims can freely seek support and justice without being silenced by prior agreements.

• Why It Matters:
  Victims often face barriers when trying to share their experiences due to non-disclosure agreements or similar restrictions. This regulation change ensures that no contract can legally stop a victim from speaking out to seek justice or support.

• Implementation Timeline:

  • 1st June 2025: The date regulations around this change will be made.
  • 1st October 2025: Full enactment of the new rights for all other purposes.

• Impact Assessment:
  Interestingly, the government anticipates no significant impact on private, voluntary, or public sectors, suggesting that the changes are more about empowering victims rather than imposing new burdens on organizations.

Background on the Act:

The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at reforming how victims are treated within the criminal justice system. It has been gradually rolled out, with previous sections focusing on various aspects of victim rights and prisoner management.

Why You Should Care:

This development is a beacon of hope for those who have suffered from crime, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights are respected. It also reflects a broader commitment by the UK government to prioritize victim support and transparency within the legal system.

For further details, you can refer to the full text of the legislation at the UK government's official legislation website.