What rights do I have as a victim of crime?

The Victims' Code — formally the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime — is not a statement of good intentions. It sets the minimum level of service criminal justice agencies must provide, and the 2024 edition gives you 12 rights in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own separate codes.

The 12 rights, grouped

• Support and information. To be referred to a support service such as Victim Support within 2 working days of reporting — 1 working day for victims of serious crime — unless you opt out; to a written acknowledgement of your report; and to clear information about the criminal justice system.
• Updates on your case. To be told whether a suspect has been arrested, charged or released; to be told of key prosecution decisions, including a charge being dropped or downgraded, and why; and to be told the verdict and the sentence.
• Support when you give evidence. If you are eligible, special measures in court — screens, a live video link, or an intermediary.
• To be heard. To make a Victim Personal Statement setting out the physical, emotional, financial or psychological impact of the crime, which the judge or magistrate considers before passing sentence — and a separate statement to the Parole Board if the offender later applies for parole.
• To challenge and to claim. To ask the CPS, under the Victims' Right to Review scheme, to review a decision not to charge, to discontinue proceedings or to offer no evidence; to information about claiming CICA compensation; and to complain if the Code is not followed.

Enhanced rights, and what to do if yours are ignored

Three groups receive enhanced entitlements and proactive contact: victims of the most serious crime — murder and manslaughter, rape and serious sexual assault, human trafficking, terrorism and domestic abuse; persistently targeted victims, where agencies must weigh the cumulative impact of repeated victimisation; and vulnerable or intimidated victims, meaning anyone under 18, anyone with a mental disorder or significant impairment, and anyone whose evidence is likely to be diminished by fear or distress. Victims of domestic abuse are automatically treated as enhanced, and a needs assessment should be carried out for every victim.

If an agency falls short, complain to it first — the police force, CPS, court or probation service. If that does not resolve matters, escalate to the Police and Crime Commissioner for police complaints, HM Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate for CPS complaints, or the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman, which you can only reach through your MP. Victim Support and the Victims' Commissioner can advise and advocate; the Commissioner monitors compliance with the Code and reports to Parliament.