Your rights as a victim of crime
Your rights after crime are set out in a document from the government called the Victims’ Code.
This explains what you can expect from the criminal justice system in England and Wales. The rights in it are legally binding.
You have the right to:
You have the right to information that's clear and easy to understand.
If you need help communicating, you can ask for support. This could include an interpreter, translated information or other help with communication.
You should also have the chance to ask questions and explain what you need.
When you report a crime, the police should record it without unnecessary delay, where it meets the rules for recording a crime.
You should be treated with respect and given the chance to explain what happened.
When you report a crime, the police should give you written confirmation and information about what happens next.
This includes details about the support available to you and who you can contact if you have questions.
You should also be told how you can get updates about your case.
You have the right to be offered support based on your needs.
The police should tell you about services that may be able to help. With your agreement, they can also pass your details to a support service.
You can ask for support even if you haven't reported the crime to the police.
You have the right to information about compensation you may be able to claim after a crime.
This could include compensation through the courts or a government scheme for people injured by violent crime.
You should be told where to find more information and how to apply.
You have the right to be kept informed about important decisions in your case.
This includes updates about the police investigation and whether someone will be charged with a crime.
If a decision is made not to prosecute, you should be told why. In some cases, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed.
You have the right to make a Victim Personal Statement.
This is your chance to explain how the crime has affected you. You can talk about the impact on your life, health, relationships or wellbeing.
Your statement can be considered by the court if someone is found guilty. You can ask for help to understand how this works.
If your case goes to court, you have the right to information about the trial and what to expect.
You should be told when and where the trial will take place, and whether you'll need to give evidence.
You may also be able to get support to help you feel more comfortable at court.
You have the right to be told what happened at the end of the case.
This includes whether someone was found guilty or not guilty, and what sentence they received, if convicted.
You should also be given information about any appeal and what it could mean for the case.
If you need to attend court to give evidence, you may be able to claim back certain costs.
This could include travel, food or lost earnings, depending on your circumstances.
If the police have taken your belongings as evidence, they should return them as soon as they're no longer needed, where possible.
In some cases, you have the right to receive information about the person convicted of the crime.
This may include updates about their release from prison or important changes to their sentence.
Whether you can receive these updates depends on the type of crime and your circumstances.
If you feel you haven't received the service you're entitled to under the Victims’ Code, you have the right to make a complaint.
You can raise your concerns with the organisation involved. They should explain how to complain and what happens next.
You can also ask for support to help you understand the complaints process.
We can help you understand your rights and ensure these are upheld by the right organisations.
Victim Personal Statement
You have the right to make a Victim Personal Statement. This is separate from the statement you give to the police about what happened.
A Victim Personal Statement is your chance to explain, in your own words, how the crime has affected you.
What can I include in my statement?
You can talk about how the crime has affected your life. This might include your physical health, feelings, relationships, finances or sense of safety.
You can also explain if you need any extra support.
There’s no set length for your statement. You can share as much or as little as you feel you need to explain the impact of the crime.
Who writes the statement?
The statement is about your own experience, so you decide what you want to say.
You can write it yourself or ask for help from the police or a support service. You may also be able to record your statement instead of writing it.
You don’t have to make a Victim Personal Statement if you don’t want to. It’s your choice.
When can I make a statement?
You can make a Victim Personal Statement at any time before the court decides on a sentence.
You may want to make one when you first speak to the police. Or you might prefer to wait until you have had more time to understand how the crime has affected you.
Once you’ve signed your statement, you can’t change or withdraw it. But you can make another statement if you have more to add or your situation changes.
When will my statement be used?
If someone pleads guilty or is found guilty, the judge or magistrate will consider your statement when deciding their sentence.
You can ask to read your statement aloud in court or have someone read it for you. The court will decide whether this can happen.
You don’t have to read it aloud. The court will still consider your statement when deciding the sentence.
If your case goes to court, the person accused of the crime will usually be able to read your statement.
Can I get help with my statement?
Yes. You don’t have to work everything out on your own.
You can ask the police, the Witness Care Unit or a support service for help understanding the process and recording your statement.
You can also ask questions before deciding whether you’d like to make one.
Rights as a witness
Contact us
There are three ways you can contact us directly.
0808 168 9291
00:00 – 00:00, Mon – Sun.
