There’s a lot to take in after you experience or witness a crime. If you’re struggling to cope, we’re here to help.
Contact us anytime and talk to one of our specially trained advisors. They will give you all the information and support you need, whether you choose to report the crime or not.
We’ve worked with victims and witnesses of crimes to help us produce some useful information and guidance.
My rights
I’m a victim of crime
You have the right to receive a certain level of service from the criminal justice system. The Victims’ Code sets out your rights and what you can expect from the agencies you’ll be dealing with.
I’m a witness of crime
There are basic standards you should expect if you’ve witnessed a crime. The Witness Charter sets out these rights.
The Criminal Justice System
If you’ve experienced or witnessed a crime, it’s possible that you’re dealing with the criminal justice system for the first time.
The system is complex and involves several different agencies. Victims and witnesses of crime often tell us how confusing or overwhelming they find it. If you feel like this, you’re not alone.
If you need help and support, we are here for you. Call us or start a live chat anytime.
We’ve used the feedback from victims and witnesses of crime to put together some useful information on the criminal justice system.
You can find out:
- how investigations work
- how to prepare for court
- what happens at court
- how compensation works
- what restorative justice is, and how it can help you
- what to do if the media get involved in your case.
What to do after a crime
When you report a crime
The police will:
- explain the next steps
- give you the name and contact details of the police officer dealing with your case
- give you a crime reference number
- check that you give permission to be referred to us for support.
The police will then start an investigation and look for evidence. As the victim or witness, they will talk to you and write a statement based on what you told them. You need to check that what’s been written is correct. The police will ask you to sign the statement to say that it’s true.
It can be difficult and upsetting to talk about what’s happened. You can ask to take a break and for someone to support you when you talk to the police. The crime you’ve experienced may have made you feel uncomfortable with a specific gender. You can ask to speak to a different police officer in these circumstances.
You have the right to make a Victim Personal Statement. This is separate from the statement the police officer wrote. This is a chance for you to talk about how the crime has affected you personally.
We’re here to help you talk to the police if you need support.
If you would like to feed back on the service you received from the police you can complete a survey through this link here.
Remember – if anything doesn’t make sense or you feel overwhelmed – call us or start a live chat.
We’re here to help. Contact us anytime and talk to one of our specially trained advisors. They’ll give you all the information and support you need, whether you choose to report the crime or not.
