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<p>We published a new Victims’ Code in December 2013 which sets out in plain language
what support and information people should expect from the moment they report a crime
to the end of a trial and beyond and who to demand help from if they are not receiving
it. Significantly, for the first time it entitles victims and bereaved relatives to
ask to read out their Victim Personal Statement (VPS) to the court before an offender
is sentenced. This gives them the opportunity to explain in their own words how the
crime has affected them and their family.</p><p> </p><p>HM Courts and Tribunals Service
does not record information in relation to the number and proportion of cases in which
victim personal statements are submitted in criminal proceedings. The Government has
made a commitment to monitor criminal justice agencies’ compliance with the Victims’
Code and in Our Commitment to Victims, published on 15 September 2014, we announced
that criminal justice agencies will publish information on how they have improved
services for victims by April 2015.</p>
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