Victims' Code

Victims' Code

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime is a practical and useful guide for victims to understand what they can expect from the criminal justice system if they have been a victim of crime. It sets out the minimum level of service that victims should receive in England and Wales. While it is structured around the key stages in the criminal justice process, it also makes it clear that victims are entitled to access support regardless of whether they choose to report the crime to the police.

The four overarching principles are that victims:

Should be provided with information to help them understand the criminal justice process;
Should be able to access services which support them (including, where appropriate, specialist services);
Should have the opportunity to make their views heard in the criminal justice process; and
Should be able to challenge decisions which have a direct impact on them.

For the purposes of Victims’ Entitlements under the Code, the definition of a ‘victim’ is:

a person who has suffered harm, including physical, mental or emotional harm or economic loss which was directly caused by a criminal offence; or
a close relative (or a nominated family spokesperson) of a person whose death was directly caused by a criminal offence.

Victims' Code - Additional Rights

You can also receive Rights under the Code if you are:

a parent or guardian of the victim if the victim is under 18 years of age; or
a nominated family spokesperson if the victim has a mental impairment or has been so badly injured because of a criminal offence that they are unable to communicate or lacks the capacity to do so.

Whilst the core Rights are detailed below, you also have the Right to:

be treated with respect, dignity, sensitivity, compassion and courtesy;
make informed choices that are fully respected;
have your privacy respected by service providers in accordance with their obligations under the relevant privacy and data protection laws; and
- have services provided to assist you and your family to understand and engage with the criminal justice process and that are offered in a professional manner, without discrimination of any kind.

Victims' Rights

The Victims’ Code explains the rights that everyone can expect to receive as a victim of crime.

Whoever you are and whatever the crime, you have the right to be informed about the criminal justice process and the support available.

Criminal justice agencies are responsible for making sure that victims receive the rights in the Victims’ Code. You can expect them to tell you about your rights as you go through the criminal justice process.

The criminal justice agencies include:

The police
Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)
HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS)
Youth Offending Teams
HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS)

If you decide not to report the crime, you’re still able to get help and hear about the Victims’ Code from support services.

Victims code

Right 1: To be able to understand and to be understood

You have the right to understand the information you’re given and to be understood. This includes access to translation or interpretation services if needed.

Right 2: To have the details of the crime recorded without unjustified delay

You have the right to have the crime recorded by the police promptly and may be able to get extra support from a specialist if you need help communicating. Find out more about reporting a crime.

Right 3: To be provided with information when reporting the crime

You have the right to receive written confirmation that the crime has been recorded, get information on the criminal justice process, and be told about support services.

Right 4: To be referred to services that support victims and have services and support tailored to your needs

You have the right to be referred to support services or contact them directly. You should also be told about any extra support at court which is available to you. Find out more about the support available.

Right 5: To be provided with information about compensation

You have the right to be told about compensation that may be available for any loss, damage or injury caused by a crime. Find out more about claiming compensation.

Right 6: To be provided with information about the investigation and prosecution

You have the right to be given updates on your case, be told about important decisions and ask for a review of certain decisions.

Right 7: To make a Victim Personal Statement

You have the right to make a statement telling the court how the crime has affected you, which will be considered when sentencing the offender.

Right 8: To be given information about the trial, trial process and your role as a witness

You have the right to be told the date, location and outcome of any hearing. If you need to give evidence, you can get help before, during and after the trial. Find out more about the court process.

Right 9: To be given information about the outcome of the case and any appeals

You have the right to be told the outcome of the case and the sentence. If the offender appeals, you should be told the outcome.

Right 10: To be paid expenses and have property returned

You have the right to claim expenses from giving evidence in court. If property was taken as evidence, you should get it back promptly.

Right 13 - test question

You have the right to complain to the relevant organisation if you’re unhappy with how you’ve been treated. Find out more about making a complaint.

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Right 11: To be given information about the offender following a conviction

You have the right to join the Victim Contact Scheme if eligible. The scheme gives you updates on the offender’s sentence, including when they’re being considered for release.