A NEW national campaign has been launched to ensure victims of crime understand the rights and support available to them under the Victims’ Code.

The Ministry of Justice’s ‘Understand Your Rights’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the code, which sets out what victims should expect from the criminal justice system.

According to research highlighted by the campaign, young adults are more likely to experience violent crime, yet only one in five victims have heard of the Victims’ Code.

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon said the campaign is designed to tackle that gap in awareness by ensuring victims are informed at every stage of their case and know how to access support.

In a statement, the office said: “A new national campaign has launched to raise awareness of the Victims’ Code making sure every victim of crime understands the rights, support and information they are entitled to.

“The Ministry of Justice’s ‘Understand Your Rights’ campaign highlights that too many people still don’t know what the Victims’ Code is, despite it setting out exactly what victims should expect from the criminal justice system.

“Research shows that young adults are more likely to experience violent crime, yet only one in five victims have heard of the Code. The campaign aims to change that by ensuring victims are informed at every stage and know how to access support.”

The commissioner’s office said supporting victims remains a central focus in the county.

“Here in Swindon and Wiltshire, victims are a key priority in the Philip Wilkinson: PCC Wiltshire and Swindon Police and Crime Plan,” the statement said.

“The PCC is committed to ensuring that every victim receives clear updates, tailored support, and full access to the rights set out in the Victims’ Code.”

More information is available via the national Victim and Witness Information website and the Wiltshire PCC’s victim and witness hub online.