New campaign to help victims know their rights

A new campaign has been started to help people across the West Midlands better understand their rights as victims of crime.

The project follows research showing that just 2.5% of almost 1,000 people surveyed could demonstrate any knowledge of the Victims' Code, more than two decades after it was introduced.

The campaign is being led by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster and Victims' Advocate Natalie Queiroz.

Digital adverts will appear on mobile phones, digital billboards and public transport, with a QR code linking directly to the PCC's Victims' Code webpage, making it easier for people to check what they are entitled to.

Foster said the findings from the region-wide awareness survey showed urgent action was needed.

He said: "I am deeply concerned that 20 years after the Victims' Code was introduced, only 2.5% of people could demonstrate any knowledge of the Code. That simply is not good enough."

He said victims' rights must be "at the forefront" of policing and criminal justice, adding: "Too often, policing and criminal justice agencies are failing to comply with the Victims' Code of Practice. That is unacceptable and it must change."

The adverts are planned to be launched in September and early October.

The Victims' Code sets out the minimum level of service victims should receive from criminal justice agencies.

It includes having crimes recorded promptly, receiving clear information when reporting an offence, being referred to support services, making a victim personal statement and raising a complaint if those rights are not met.

Queiroz said awareness was essential if the Code was to make a difference.

"Every victim deserves to understand their rights from the very beginning of their journey throughout the whole criminal justice system."

She was stabbed 24 times by her partner while she was eight months pregnant in Sutton Coldfield in 2016 and has since campaigned for justice for domestic abuse victims.

Queiroz, who was an MBE for her work supporting victims, described the Code as a "map" to help people navigate what could be an overwhelming process.

"Knowing your rights can make a real difference at what is often one of the most challenging times in a person's life."

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.