CPS to give all domestic abuse victims a dedicated liaison officer nationwide

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will make its Universal Service for victims and Enhanced Service for survivors of domestic abuse permanent across every CPS Area in England and Wales. 

This enhanced level of support will see for the first-time, victim liaison officers being provided to all victims of domestic abuse. Following successful pilots, including in Mersey-Cheshire, victim liaison officers will provide better support for victims of domestic abuse from charge to trial – a service previously only available to victims of rape and sexual offences.  

This national rollout is part of the CPS’ Victim Transformation Programme (VTP).  

The announcement was marked by a visit to Liverpool by the Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, who met senior leaders from JUSTICE North before joining a roundtable discussion with local and national charities and campaign groups working with victims of crime, including survivors of domestic abuse.  

The Attorney General said trust in the justice system depends on victims being able to see and feel that it works for them, wherever they live. Today’s visit was part of her ongoing work to hear directly from front line charities and services to restore public trust in the criminal justice system. 

The Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP, 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. I’ve heard time and again from victims and frontline organisations about what good communication looks like, and where the system still falls short.  

That is why I was recently pleased to announce an enhanced service for victims of domestic abuse, where for the first time survivors will be provided with a dedicated victim liaison officer.