Victims' rights
It is a belief that all victims of crime have the following
basic rights:
- to receive respect, recognition and support
- to receive information and an explanation about the progress of
their case. Victims should also have the chance to explain the
financial, physical and emotional effects of the crime and this
information should be considered whenever decisions are made about
their case
- to be allowed to make informed choices
- can be involved in restoration.
In 2003/4, victims' rights were introduced into legislation
through the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill.
You can get more details on Victim Support and rights at the
Victim
Support website (this link will open in a new window).
Final Warnings
When a young person receives a final warning for their crime,
they are assessed by the YOT Police Officer. The Police Officer
will then attempt, where appropriate, to contact any identified
Victims. They will update the victim on the progress with their
particular case. It might be felt then that it would be a good idea
for the victim to get involved in the restorative process. Examples
may involve the young person meeting the victim face-to-face,
fixing what they have broken, or writing an apology for what they
have done.
Community or Custodial Sentences
If a young person is given a
community or
custodial sentence for their crime, they will be referred to
the Youth Offending Service. A YOS Victim Liaison Officer (Kent has
3) will attempt to contact those people that have been directly
affected by the offence, so that they can be offered the
opportunity to participate in a 'restorative process'.
A restorative process allows those that have been affected by
the offence to express the effect it has had on them. It can also
allow the offender to take responsibility for their actions. The
offender may wish to make amends for their offence - 'Reparation' -
and the person(s) affected can suggest ways in which they would
like this done, either directly to them or to the wider
community.
The Youth Offending Service is required to ensure 75% of all
those directly affected are offered this opportunity, and of those
participating, 75% are satisfied with the
outcome. |