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You have the right to contact the police and be kept informed about the investigation if you鈥檙e:

• the victim of a crime
• a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling

When you report the crime

The police must give you:

• written confirmation of the crime you鈥檝e reported
• a crime reference number
• contact details for the police officer dealing with your case

They must also:

• tell you clearly what will happen next
• tell you how often they鈥檒l give you an update on their investigation
• carry out a 鈥榥eeds assessment鈥� to find out what support you should get
• ask a victim support organisation to contact you within 2 days

They must also ask if you want to write a statement about how the crime has affected you. This is called a 鈥榲ictim personal statement鈥�. It can be used later when the court is deciding on a punishment.

During the police investigation

The police must give you updates on their investigation, and tell you within 5 days when a suspect is:

• arrested or charged
• set free or released on bail
• given a caution, reprimand, final warning, or penalty notice

When the police have finished their investigation, they can pass the information to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) who then decide if there鈥檚 enough evidence to take the case to court.

If the police or the CPS decide to drop the charge, they must tell you within 5 days. You can if you disagree with their decision.

Privacy

The police might give some information about the crime to the media to help with the investigation. They鈥檒l normally ask your permission before they do this.

If you鈥檝e been the victim of a sexual assault or rape, it鈥檚 against the law for anyone to publish your name, photo or anything else that could identify you.

Your must tell you immediately where and when the trial will be.

If you鈥檙e asked to give evidence, the police will pass your details to a Witness Care Officer who will support you before and during the trial.

If the defendant is found guilty, you may be able to read your victim personal statement to them.

After the trial ends, your Witness Care Officer must tell you:

• the verdict - within 24 hours
• what sentence the offender gets - if they鈥檙e found guilty
• if the offender appeals their conviction or sentence

You can also:

• claim compensation - if the crime was violent
• get free help and advice from the Victims鈥� Information Service or Victim Contact Scheme
• - contact your local victim support organisation to arrange this

You may get extra support if you:

• are the victim of a serious crime
• are under 18
• have a mental health condition or lack mental capacity
• have a disability
• are a close relative of someone who died because of a crime - for example their partner, child or sibling
• have been a victim of crime repeatedly - for example you鈥檙e being targeted, harassed or stalked

Serious crimes

You鈥檙e the victim of a serious crime if it was:

• arson with intent to endanger life
• attempted murder
• domestic abuse
• kidnapping or false imprisonment
• a hate crime
• human trafficking
• a sexual offence
• terrorism
• wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent

What support you鈥檒l get

You鈥檙e entitled to:

• get information quicker - usually within 24 hours
• protection in court if you need to give evidence
• specialist help and advice
• a Family Liaison Officer - if you鈥檙e a close relative of the victim

Contact the police officer dealing with your case or about getting this extra help.

You can complain if you鈥檝e been:

• treated unprofessionally, disrespectfully or insensitively
• discriminated against

The Victim鈥檚 Code has full details of how the police, Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other organisations should treat you if you鈥檙e the victim of crime.

Make your complaint to the organisation you want to complain about. For example:

• the court

The organisation must confirm they鈥檝e received your complaint within 10 days.

If you do not agree with the decision

You can if you do not agree with the decision about your complaint.