‘Anyone can be attacked at any moment’: The young victims of crime who’ve lost trust in the system

February 5, 2026 | UK News

The UK government has acknowledged that many children and young people who are victims of crime often feel mistrusted, unheard, and, in some cases, treated as potential offenders. The admission comes as a new consultation launches on reforming the Victims’ Code to better support young victims of crime.

Ahead of the consultation, Sky News observed discussions between sixth-form students at All Saints School in Stepney, east London, and the minister for victims and tackling violence against women and girls, Alex Davies-Jones. The students shared personal experiences that highlighted deep mistrust in the criminal justice system.

One student said he was stopped and searched on his way to school at the age of 13 without explanation and without his parents being contacted. Another described living in constant fear of violent attacks, particularly at night, while a third recounted how her sister’s stolen phone case was dismissed by police as something they could do little about, leaving her with little confidence in law enforcement.

Students also pointed to a cultural stigma around reporting crime. One young person said many teenagers are reluctant to come forward because reporting is seen as “snitching,” reinforcing a divide between young people and the police.

In response, the government’s proposed changes to the Victims’ Code aim to address the challenges faced by young victims, particularly those affected by crimes such as domestic abuse and sexual violence. Key proposals include:

• More direct communication between police, probation officers, young victims aged 12 and above, and their parents

• Measures to ensure young people feel safer while navigating the justice system

• Steps to encourage victims to remain engaged with their cases through trial and beyond

• A nationwide “Understand Your Rights” campaign across England and Wales to raise awareness of the Victims’ Code

Ms Davies-Jones admitted that rebuilding trust would be a major task for the government. She said many young people felt disbelieved and wrongly viewed as suspects rather than victims or witnesses, stressing that a child’s age should never diminish their experience of crime.

The proposed reforms also include new core principles, improved training for justice agencies, and stronger legal enforcement of the Victims’ Code. Once implemented, the victims’ commissioner would have greater powers to hold agencies accountable for failing to meet required standards.

Welcoming the consultation, Children’s Commissioner for England Rachel D’Souza said too many children find the justice system confusing or traumatising. She expressed hope that the updated Victims’ Code would ensure young victims are treated with dignity, listened to, and given the support they are entitled to, helping to turn stated rights into real-world change.