The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has announced the permanent implementation of its Universal Service for victims and Enhanced Service for survivors of domestic abuse across all CPS Areas in England and Wales. This significant step marks the first time that dedicated victim liaison officers will be made available to all victims of domestic abuse, a service previously reserved for those affected by rape and sexual offences. Following successful pilot schemes, including initiatives in Mersey-Cheshire, these officers will offer improved support for victims from the moment charges are laid through to trial.
Expansion of Support Services for Victims
This national rollout is part of the CPS’s Victim Transformation Programme (VTP), designed to enhance the experience of victims within the criminal justice system. The announcement coincided with a visit to Liverpool by Attorney General Ellie Reeves KC MP, who engaged with senior leaders from JUSTICE North before participating in a roundtable discussion with local and national charities and organisations that support victims of crime, including survivors of domestic abuse.
During her visit, the Attorney General emphasised the importance of restoring public trust in the justice system, highlighting that victims must feel they are being heard and supported throughout the entire process. She stated, “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.” Reeves noted that she has frequently heard from victims and frontline organisations about the need for effective communication and the areas where the system still falls short.
Commitment to Victims’ Needs
In her remarks, the Attorney General expressed her satisfaction in introducing the enhanced service for domestic abuse victims, which will include dedicated liaison officers to provide support from the charge stage through to trial. This initiative is a crucial part of the CPS’s broader efforts to transform the victim experience within the justice system.
“As Attorney General, tackling violence against women and girls is my number one priority,” she added. The Universal Service aims to enhance communication for all victims, while the Enhanced Service will ensure that individuals affected by domestic abuse receive tailored support, with communication preferences respected, whether by phone, email, or post.
Listening to Local Perspectives
Both pilot services have been tested since 2023, including in Mersey-Cheshire, where the Attorney General met with CPS frontline teams involved in their implementation. She reiterated that the decision to expand these services nationally reflects the consistent feedback from victims regarding the necessity of robust communication and greater clarity surrounding their cases.
Reeves also acknowledged the significance of engaging with communities outside Westminster to inform policy decisions, stating, “What works for victims in one part of the country won’t always look the same elsewhere, which is why it’s so important to get out of Westminster and hear directly from people about what justice and accountability looks like for them.” The discussions held with individuals who have experienced the justice system firsthand, as well as frontline experts, will inform her ongoing commitment to prioritising victims in her work.
Collaborative Efforts for Justice
Fiona Rutherford, Chief Executive of JUSTICE North, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to welcome the Attorney General and share insights about victims’ experiences. She underscored JUSTICE North’s role in bridging the gap between Westminster and the region, emphasising that the North of England is leading the way in justice innovation. “Expanding these initiatives should help ensure victims across the country receive the additional support they desperately need,” she remarked.
Ayla Nasuh, Chief Executive of Merseyside Domestic Violence Service, highlighted the urgency of supporting survivors of domestic abuse. “When survivors reach out for help, it is crucial that they are believed and supported promptly,” she stated. She pointed out the challenges many survivors face when reporting abuse, often without seeing effective action taken to address their situation. Nasuh expressed hope that the government would work collaboratively to ensure the justice system acknowledges cumulative harm and takes swift action to protect victims.
Ongoing Commitment to Victim Support
The Victim Transformation Programme was launched by the CPS in 2022 in response to calls for clearer, more timely, and empathetic communication from the agency. The Universal Service has been piloted in various regions, including Yorkshire and Humberside, Mersey-Cheshire, and Wessex, while the Enhanced Service has also seen trials in multiple locations, including certain London boroughs. As these services are now set to be rolled out across all CPS Areas, they will build on existing support for families affected by crime and victims of serious sexual offences.
The government’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy outlines its ambition to reduce such violence by half within the next decade, with measures such as Raneem’s Law, which integrates domestic abuse specialists into emergency response teams. Earlier this year, an additional £5 million in funding was secured to pilot pre-trial meetings for adult victims of domestic abuse in selected CPS areas.
JUSTICE North, hosted by Liverpool law firm Broudie Jackson Canter, was established to ensure justice policy aligns with the unique challenges and opportunities of the North of England, fostering closer collaboration between local and national decision-makers on justice devolution. Its inaugural report, “Closer to Home: Principles for a Justice System shaped by Communities,” was published in April 2026.