From September, residents across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands will see new digital adverts featuring QR codes on mobile phones, digital billboards, and inside buses and trains. The campaign, led by West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster alongside Victims’ Advocate Natalie Queiroz, aims to ensure more people know their rights as victims of crime.
The rollout follows a region-wide awareness survey which found that just 2.5 per cent of almost 1,000 West Midlands residents could demonstrate any knowledge of the Victims’ Code. This is despite the Code having been in place for more than 20 years.
Campaign aims to close awareness gap
The Victims’ Code sets out the rights and minimum level of service victims of crime should expect from criminal justice agencies. These rights include having the details of the crime recorded without unjustified delay, being provided with information when reporting the crime, being referred to victim support services, making a victim personal statement, and making a complaint if those rights are not met.
Over September and October, digital adverts carrying the message ‘Victim? Don't lose sight of your rights' will appear across the city and region. Many of the adverts will feature a QR code linking directly to the OPCC’s Victims’ Code webpage.
Commissioner voices deep concern over findings
Simon Foster expressed his “deep concern” at the survey results. He said: “I am deeply concerned that 20 years after the Victims Code was introduced only 2.5 per cent of people could demonstrate any knowledge of the Code. That simply is not good enough.”
He added: “The Victims’ Code exists to protect victims, survivors and witnesses. It sets out clear minimum rights and entitlements which criminal justice agencies must provide, yet far too many people do not know these rights exist.”
Compliance to be core part of Police and Crime Plan
The Commissioner stated that compliance with the Victims' Code is a “core part” of his Police and Crime Plan over the next three years. He noted that “every victim” deserves to be “treated with compassion, dignity and respect, to receive the support they are entitled to, and to have confidence that their rights will be upheld.”
Foster rounded off: “This campaign has one clear message: as a victim, you have rights that you are entitled to and criminal justice agencies must comply with them.” The adverts will remain in place throughout September and October, with the QR codes providing direct access to information about the Code.
