CPS to give every domestic abuse victim a dedicated liaison officer nationwide
The UK Crown Prosecution Service will permanently expand victim support services nationwide, assigning dedicated liaison officers to every domestic abuse victim and allowing flexible contact methods from charge to trial.
Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP announced a permanent nationwide rollout of the Crown Prosecution Service’s Universal and Enhanced Services for victims of domestic abuse. These services, previously piloted in select areas since 2023, will now be available in every CPS Area across England and Wales. The expansion forms part of the Victim Transformation Programme, aiming to standardise support for all domestic abuse survivors. The move follows a commitment to prioritise victims within the criminal justice system.
Under the new measures, every domestic abuse victim will be assigned a dedicated victim liaison officer to guide them through the process from charge to trial. This officer will provide tailored support and ensure victims receive consistent, personalised assistance throughout their case. The service aims to reduce the emotional burden on victims by offering a single point of contact for all their needs. The CPS described the role as critical to improving victim confidence in the justice system.
For the first time, all victims will have the choice of how they are contacted by the CPS, including phone, email, or post. This flexibility is intended to accommodate individual preferences and accessibility requirements. The service will also deliver faster and higher-quality correspondence to victims, reducing delays and improving communication clarity. The CPS stated these changes reflect feedback from victims and stakeholders during the pilot phase.
The announcement follows a period of testing in pilot areas, where the Enhanced Service for domestic abuse survivors demonstrated improved victim satisfaction and engagement. The CPS will now integrate these measures into standard practice nationwide. The move aligns with broader efforts to reform the justice system’s approach to victim support, ensuring consistent standards across all regions. The Attorney General emphasised the government’s commitment to placing victims at the centre of criminal justice processes.