This Order brings into force on 1st February 2010 sections 48 to 53 and the remaining provisions of section 54 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), and Schedule 9 to that Act.

Those provisions require the Secretary of State to appoint a Commissioner for Victims and Witnesses, provide for the functions of the Commissioner, and make related provision. Some of those provisions were amended by section 142 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25) immediately before their coming into force by virtue of this Order.

The functions of the Commissioner include: promoting the interests of victims and witnesses; taking such steps as the Commissioner considers appropriate with a view to encouraging good practice in the treatment of victims and witnesses; giving advice in certain circumstances and keeping under review the operation of the code of practice for victims issued by the Secretary of State under section 32 of the 2004 Act.