All domestic abuse victims to get liaison officer nationwide

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced that its Universal Service for victims and its Enhanced Service for survivors of domestic abuse will become permanent across all CPS Areas in England and Wales. This national rollout means that, for the first time, all victims of domestic abuse will be provided with a dedicated victim liaison officer.

This enhanced level of support will offer victims better communication from the point of charge through to trial. Previously, this dedicated officer service was only available to victims of rape and sexual offences. The initiative is a key component of the CPS’ Victim Transformation Programme (VTP), launched in 2022 to improve victims' experiences within the criminal justice system by providing clearer, more timely, and empathetic communication.

Attorney General visits Liverpool

The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, visited Liverpool to mark the announcement. She met with senior leaders from JUSTICE North and participated in a roundtable discussion with local and national charities and campaign groups that support victims of crime, including survivors of domestic abuse. Ms Reeves stated that trust in the justice system relies on victims being able to see and feel that it works for them, regardless of their location.

Ms Reeves said: “The criminal justice system only works if victims’ voices are at its heart. They need to be heard, supported and treated with dignity throughout the process, not just at trial.” She added that the enhanced service, providing a dedicated victim liaison officer, is a key part of the CPS’ national rollout of its Victim Transformation Programme. Tackling violence against women and girls is her number one priority as Attorney General.

The Universal Service aims to provide all victims with more frequent and better-quality communication from the CPS. The Enhanced Service specifically offers additional support to domestic abuse victims, ensuring communication from charge to trial. For the first time, the CPS will also follow victims' preferred methods of contact, whether by phone, email, or post.

Pilot programmes inform national rollout

Both the Universal and Enhanced Services have undergone pilot testing since 2023, including in the Mersey-Cheshire area. The Attorney General indicated that the decision to implement these services nationally reflects consistent feedback from victims regarding the importance of good communication and the need for a clearer understanding of their cases. She emphasised the value of hearing directly from communities outside of Westminster to shape this work.

Fiona Rutherford, Chief Executive of JUSTICE North, welcomed the Attorney General, stating that the expansion of these initiatives should help ensure victims across the country receive much-needed additional support. Ayla Nasuh, Chief Executive of Merseyside Domestic Violence Service, also met with the Attorney General and shared experiences of victims in Liverpool. Ms Nasuh highlighted the need for survivors to be believed and given urgent support when they reach out, and expressed hope that the government will work to ensure the justice system recognises cumulative harm and acts swiftly to protect victims.

The CPS launched its Victim Transformation Programme in 2022 in response to evidence indicating that victims desired clearer, more timely, and more empathetic communication.