I Am a Victim of Crime or Abuse
Victims have specific rights under the Victims' Code (the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime) and a separate framework of protection for domestic abuse under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. This guide covers the immediate steps and the longer routes to safety, justice, and compensation.
Estimated timeline
If you are in immediate danger call 999. If you are deaf or unable to speak, text the emergency SMS service (register beforehand at emergencysms.net) or use the silent solution — call 999 and press 55 when prompted. Refuge (0808 2000 247, 24/7 free) runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline; they will help you plan a safe exit and find emergency accommodation. Galop (0800 999 5428) helps LGBT+ victims of abuse. Men can call Mankind (01823 334244) or Respect (0808 802 4040). All calls are confidential.
Reporting is your choice but it triggers protections and the criminal route. Phone 101 for non-emergency reports, 999 for emergency. You can report online for some crimes (cyber-crime via Action Fraud, stalking via your local force). The police MUST take your report under the Victims' Code — they cannot refuse a report. Ask for: the crime reference number, a copy of your statement, the contact details of the officer in the case (OIC). You will be offered a Victim Liaison Officer for serious cases. Victims with a disability or mental health condition are entitled to enhanced support and an early Special Measures assessment.
Several orders can protect you: Domestic Violence Protection Notice/Order (police-issued, up to 28 days, no court appearance needed); Non-Molestation Order (family court, Form FL401, protects from harassment and threats); Occupation Order (excludes the abuser from your home); Restraining Order (criminal court, after conviction or acquittal); Stalking Protection Order (since 2020, applied for by police even without a criminal conviction). Breach of any of these is itself a criminal offence with up to 5 years' imprisonment.
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) pays compensation for physical or mental injury caused by a crime of violence. Apply within 2 years of the incident at cica.gov.uk. Awards from £1,000 (minor injury) to £500,000 (catastrophic injury and dependency awards). Apply even if no conviction — CICA decides on the balance of probabilities. Aggravating factors (firearm, sexual offence, child victim) increase awards. Reductions: if you delayed reporting, did not cooperate, or have unspent criminal convictions. You can also pursue a civil compensation claim against the perpetrator alongside CICA.
Vulnerable and intimidated witnesses (defined by Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999) get Special Measures: screening from the defendant, video link evidence, pre-recorded cross-examination (s.28 — now rolling out across England and Wales), removal of wigs and gowns, intermediaries to facilitate communication, restrictions on cross-examination by the defendant in person. Ask the OIC for a Special Measures assessment early. Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) and Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) are free, separate from the police, and accompany you through the process.
Many crimes have civil parallels. Domestic abuse → civil claim for damages, occupation/non-molestation order, divorce financial settlement. Sexual offences → civil claim for damages, especially against institutional defendants (schools, churches, sports clubs); the limitation period was extended for sexual abuse claims under the Limitation Act. Online harassment → defamation, harassment under PHA 1997 s.3, data protection action. Fraud → bank reimbursement under the new APP fraud scheme (from October 2024), Action Fraud, civil recovery. The civil case can proceed even if the criminal case fails — the standard is the balance of probabilities, not beyond reasonable doubt.
All NHS regions offer free trauma-focused therapy via mental health services. SARC (Sexual Assault Referral Centre) services provide acute medical, forensic, and emotional support. Victim Support (0808 168 9111) runs free emotional and practical help for victims of any crime, anonymous and confidential. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse can apply to the Independent Inquiry redress framework. Long-term: the impact of victimisation often appears months later — keep monitoring your mental health and ask for help when you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to give evidence in court?
Can the abuser find out where I have moved to?
What if the police refuse to investigate?
Are immigration consequences a concern if I report?
Official bodies and resources
Citizens Advice
CharityProvides free, confidential, and independent advice on a wide range of issues including benefits, housing, debt, and employment.
Related guides
Domestic Abuse Legal Protection
Domestic abuse is a serious crime and the law provides important protections for victims. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 significantly strengthened the legal framework in England and Wales, broadening the definition of abuse, creating new criminal offences, and establishing new protective orders. If you are at risk of or experiencing domestic abuse, you can access legal protection quickly — often within 24 hours in genuine emergencies.
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CICA Criminal Injuries Compensation
If you have been physically or psychologically injured as the result of a violent crime in Great Britain, you may be able to claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). The scheme is funded by the government and does not depend on the offender being caught or convicted. Awards range from £1,000 to £500,000 depending on the nature and severity of your injuries.
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Restraining Orders and Stalking Protection Orders
Restraining orders and Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) are court orders designed to protect victims of harassment, stalking, domestic abuse, and related offences. They prohibit the perpetrator from doing certain things — such as contacting you or coming near your home or workplace. Breaching these orders is a criminal offence.
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Stalking Protection Orders
Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) are civil orders introduced by the Stalking Protection Act 2019, specifically designed to protect victims of stalking before a criminal prosecution — or where prosecution is not possible. They can impose prohibitions and positive obligations on perpetrators and can be obtained quickly by police.
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Witness Special Measures
Giving evidence in a criminal trial can be frightening, particularly for children, victims of sexual or violent crime, or witnesses with disabilities. Special measures are adjustments to the normal way evidence is given in court, designed to improve the quality of evidence from vulnerable or intimidated witnesses.
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Victims' Code Rights
The Victims' Code (formally the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime) sets out the minimum level of service that criminal justice agencies — including the police, Crown Prosecution Service, courts, and probation service — must provide to victims of crime in England and Wales. The 2024 edition of the Code was updated to strengthen victims' rights and improve accountability.
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Action Fraud Reporting and Recovery
Action Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime, operated by the City of London Police. Reporting fraud is the first step towards a police investigation and towards recovering money. You should also report to your bank as quickly as possible — banks have fraud prevention teams and can sometimes reverse fraudulent transactions.
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