Victims and Courts Act 2026 comes into force with expanded rights and protections for victims

The Victims and Courts Act 2026 has received Royal Assent, introducing a range of reforms aimed at strengthening victims’ rights and reshaping their role within the criminal justice system.

The legislation places new limits on the exercise of parental responsibility by offenders convicted of serious child sexual abuse, including cases where a child is conceived through rape. It also extends the timeframe within which victims can challenge sentences they consider unduly lenient and ensures that non-disclosure agreements cannot be used to prevent victims from speaking about criminal conduct.

Deputy prime minister and justice secretary David Lammy said the Act marks a shift toward a more victim-centred system, stating that it is designed to ensure victims’ voices and experiences are prioritised throughout the justice process.

A further provision requires offenders to attend their sentencing hearings, with courts empowered to impose sanctions where individuals refuse to do so. The measure follows sustained campaigning by victims’ families seeking greater accountability at the point of sentencing.

The Act also enhances oversight of how criminal justice agencies respond to victims and ensuring improved access to support services.