You do not need to report the crime to the police to get help from criminal justice agencies. If you do report the crime to the police, they can pass your details to a Victim and Witness Support Service, such as Lighthouse, so you can be given support tailored to your needs.
What is the Victims’ Code?
The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime, also known as the Victims’ Code, details the minimum standard that organisations must provide to victims of crime.
The definition of a ‘victim’ in the Code is:
- a person who has suffered harm, including physical, mental or emotional harm or economic loss which was directly caused by a criminal offence
- a close relative (or a nominated family spokesperson) of a person whose death was directly caused
by a criminal offence
You also have rights under the Code if you are:
- a close relative of someone who has been killed as a result of a crime
- a parent or carer of a victim of crime aged under 18 years old
- 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 lack the capacity to do so
Support for witnesses
If you have suffered harm, including physical, mental or emotional harm or economic loss, as a direct result of witnessing a crime, you are a victim of crime for the purposes of this code. This means you are able to access services that support victims. You do not need to have provided a statement to or been interviewed by the police, or be required to attend court as a witness.
All other witnesses can access services provided under the Witness Charter rather than under the Victims’ Code. Find out more about the rights of witnesses.
What does the Victims’ Code include?
The Victims’ Code, which was last updated in April 2021, details 12 over-arching rights:
- To have the ability to understand and be understood
- To have the details of the crime recorded within 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
Further details under each right can be found in the Victims’ Code, published by the Ministry of Justice.
Which rights apply to you will depend on whether the crime is reported to the police, if the case goes to
court, and whether the defendant is convicted, as well as your personal needs and circumstances.
Rights 1, 4 and 12 apply to all victims. The remaining rights only apply where a crime has been reported to the police. The relevant service provider will tell you which rights apply to you.
Victims of crime who are called as a witness
Victims of crime who are called as a witness have specific legal entitlements that are set out in the Victims’ Code. These include:
- the right to claim for any expenses incurred as a witness in a criminal trial
- the right to request special measures in court if you are a vulnerable or intimidated witness
- the right to ask court staff if you can enter the court building through a separate entrance from the defendant and their family and friends
- the right to request interpretation into a language you understand when giving evidence as a witness, if you do not speak English
- the right to meet the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) advocate or representative and to ask them questions about the court process, where possible
You may decide that you do not want some or all of the rights under this Code. You should discuss this
with us and the relevant criminal justice agencies.
How should you expect to be treated?
All victims of crimes have the right to:
- be treated with respect, compassion and dignity
- make informed decisions
- have your privacy rights under the law respected
- be offered help so you understand and can engage with the criminal justice system
If you feel your rights have not been met
If you feel your rights under the Victims’ Code have not been met, you can complain directly to the criminal justice agency concerned, such as your local police force or the Crown Prosecution Service.
If you are still dissatisfied, you can raise the complaint to your local MP and ask them to refer it to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is responsible for considering complaints relating to the Victims’ Code. However they will not consider cases directly from a member of the public. Find your local MP.
Useful resources and further information
- View a list of support services in your local area.
- Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales – statutory guidance published by the Ministry of Justice.
- The rights of witnesses – the Witness Charter sets out the basic standards of service you can expect from the criminal justice system as a witness of crime.
Was this page useful? Tell us about your experience.