New Legal Provisions for Victims and Major Incidents to Commence in England and Wales

Starting June 25, 2025, several key sections of the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 will come into effect, introducing new rights and protections for victims of crime and those affected by major incidents in England and Wales.

Victim Impact Statements in Mental Health Tribunals

One of the significant changes includes Section 21, which grants certain victims the right to make a victim impact statement at mental health tribunals. This applies to cases involving offenders under hospital orders due to mental health issues. Victims of sexual, violent, or terrorism offences will now have the opportunity to attend tribunal hearings and read their statements, provided their application is accepted. While the tribunals must consider these statements when imposing discharge conditions, they cannot take them into account when deciding whether to discharge the offender.

Protecting Victims of Major Incidents

Sections 34 to 43 focus on victims of major incidents. The introduction of a standing advocate is a pivotal change. This permanent role will ensure that the interests of victims are represented and that public authorities respond appropriately. The standing advocate is tasked with advising the Secretary of State and reporting annually on their activities. They have the discretion to report on any major incident they are involved in, either at their own initiative or at the Secretary of State's request.

Why This Matters

These changes reflect the government's commitment to enhancing the support and representation for victims within the legal system. By allowing victims to voice their experiences and ensuring their interests are considered, these measures aim to create a more inclusive and responsive justice system.

Background

The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 has been gradually implemented since its passage, with these latest provisions marking the seventh set of commencement regulations. Previous phases have introduced various measures aimed at improving the rights and protections for victims and ensuring that their voices are heard within the criminal justice system.

For those interested in the broader implications of these changes or seeking further details on how they may impact specific cases, consulting the full text of the Act or seeking legal advice may be beneficial.