Introductory text

This Order is made in exercise of the powers conferred by section 33(7) of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004^f1 (“the Act”).

The Secretary of State is required by section 32(1) of the Act to issue a code of practice as to the services to be provided to a victim of criminal conduct by persons appearing to him to have functions relating to victims of criminal conduct or any aspect of the criminal justice system.

In accordance with section 33(2) to (4) of the Act, the Secretary of State has prepared a draft of the code in consultation with the Attorney General and the Lord Chancellor and has published it.

In accordance with section 33(5) of the Act, the Secretary of State has considered in consultation with the Attorney General and Lord Chancellor representations made to him about the draft and modified it in the light of them.

In accordance with section 33(6) of the Act, the Secretary of State laid the code of practice before Parliament on 19^th October 2005.