The Victims’ Code
If you have been the victim of a crime, you have the right to be informed about the criminal justice process and the support available to you.
There are certain standards you can expect from criminal justice agencies, such as the police, the court and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The Victims’ Code explains the rights you can expect to receive.
As a victim you have the right:
- To be able to understand and to be understood
- To have the details of the crime recorded without unjustified delay
- To be provided with information when reporting the crime
- To be referred to services that support victims and have services and support tailored to your needs
- To be provided with information about compensation
- To be provided with information about the investigation and prosecution
- To make a Victim Personal Statement
- To be given information about the trial, trial process and your role as a witness
- To be given information about the outcome of the case and any appeals
- To be paid expenses and have property returned
- To be given information about the offender following a conviction
- To make a complaint about your rights not being met.
If you feel your rights under the Victims’ Code have not been met, you can make a complaint directly to the organisation concerned. For example, your local police force, the CPS or the court.
If you’re not satisfied with the response to your complaint, you can ask your member of parliament (MP) to refer it to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman.
You can visit the following links for more information on the Victims’ Code:
