Victims and Witnesses (England & Wales): 12 questions answered
Victims of crime in England and Wales have rights under the Victims' Code, from being kept updated to making a personal statement and getting support. Witnesses can get help at court through special measures and the Witness Service. Some victims can also claim criminal injuries compensation.
Law checked as at 25 September 2026. Legal information only, not legal advice. See how we check this page and recent changes.
How do I report a crime?
Call 999 if a crime is happening now, someone is in danger, or a suspect is nearby. For non-emergencies, call 101 or report online through your local police force's website, which many forces link to from police.uk. If you are deaf or speech-impaired, you can use text relay or register for emergency SMS. To give information without giving your name, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You will normally receive a crime reference number, which you will need for updates, insurance and any compensation claim.
What is the Victims' Code?
The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales, known as the Victims' Code, sets out 12 rights that police, the CPS, courts, probation and other bodies must provide. They include being understood, having the crime recorded, getting information and updates, being referred to support services, making a Victim Personal Statement, and complaining if your rights are not met. Victims of the most serious crimes, vulnerable or intimidated victims and persistently targeted victims get enhanced rights. The current version dates from 2020. A new code under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 has been consulted on but is not yet in force.
Can I challenge a decision not to charge or prosecute?
Yes, under the Victims' Right to Review schemes. If police decide not to charge a suspect who was interviewed under caution, you can ask the force for a review, normally within three months. If the Crown Prosecution Service decides not to charge, or to drop all charges, you can request a review, ideally within 10 working days of the decision letter. Late requests are considered up to three months, and later only in exceptional cases. A new prosecutor reviews the case, and the decision can be overturned. The police or CPS must tell you about this right.
What is a Victim Personal Statement?
A Victim Personal Statement (VPS) lets you explain in your own words how the crime has affected you physically, emotionally, financially or in any other way. You can make one when you give your witness statement or later, before sentencing, and you can update it. If the defendant is convicted, the court considers it when sentencing, and you can ask to read it aloud in court or have someone read it for you. The VPS should not give an opinion on what the sentence should be. Bereaved families can make one too.
Do I have to go to court as a witness?
Most witnesses attend voluntarily, but if you are an important witness and may not come, the court can issue a witness summons requiring you to attend. Failing to obey a summons without a good reason is contempt of court and can lead to arrest. If you are worried about giving evidence, tell the police officer or witness care unit early. They can explain special measures, arrange a pre-trial visit and refer you to support. You cannot normally be forced to give evidence against your spouse or civil partner, except in certain cases such as violence.
What are special measures in court?
Special measures, under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, help vulnerable or intimidated witnesses give their best evidence. They include screens so you cannot see the defendant, a live video link from another room, evidence given in private, judges and barristers removing wigs and gowns, a video-recorded interview used as your main evidence, pre-recorded cross-examination, and help from an intermediary. Children, witnesses with certain disabilities and complainants in sexual offence cases are eligible. Others may qualify if fear or distress would affect their evidence. The prosecution applies and the court decides.
What is the Witness Service?
The Witness Service, run by Victim Support in England and Wales since 1 April 2026 (previously Citizens Advice), provides free, independent support to prosecution and defence witnesses in criminal courts. Trained volunteers can arrange a visit to see a courtroom before the trial, explain what happens, provide a separate waiting area where possible, and sit with you on the day. They cannot discuss the evidence or give legal advice. You can be referred by the police or witness care unit, or contact the service directly on 0300 332 1000. Specialist independent advisers also support victims of domestic or sexual abuse.
Can I claim expenses for going to court as a witness?
Yes. Prosecution witnesses can claim reasonable travel costs, meals, loss of earnings and childcare from the Crown Prosecution Service, within set limits. Claims are made online or on a form, and the CPS aims to pay valid claims within 10 working days. Keep all receipts and ask your employer for proof of lost earnings. Defence witnesses should ask the defence solicitor about expenses. Police officers and professional witnesses have separate arrangements. The Witness Service or witness care unit can help you with the claim.
Can I get compensation as a victim of a violent crime?
You may be able to claim from the government-funded Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012, run by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). You must have been a victim of a crime of violence in Great Britain, have reported it to the police, and cooperate with the case. Apply as soon as reasonably practicable and normally within two years of the incident. Longer limits apply to children, and exceptions are possible in exceptional circumstances. Awards can be reduced or refused because of unspent convictions or conduct. Applying through GOV.UK is free.
Will I be told when the offender is released from prison?
If the offender is sentenced to 12 months or more for a specified violent or sexual offence, you are eligible for the Victim Contact Scheme, run by the Probation Service. A victim liaison officer will tell you about key points in the sentence, such as parole hearings and release. You can make representations about licence conditions, for example asking that the offender keeps away from you. The scheme also covers bereaved families, and victims where the offender is given certain hospital orders. Ask your police contact or witness care unit to refer you.
Will my name be published if I report a sexual offence?
No. Under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992, a person who says they are the victim of a sexual offence has automatic lifelong anonymity from the moment the allegation is made. Nobody may publish your name, image or any detail likely to identify you as the complainant, including on social media, even if the accused is acquitted. Breaching this is a criminal offence. The protection can be lifted only by a court in limited circumstances, or by you giving written consent if you are 16 or over.
What is a restraining order?
A restraining order is a court order that bans a defendant from contacting or approaching a victim or other named people, or from going to certain places. A criminal court can make one when sentencing for any offence, or even after an acquittal if it is needed to protect someone from harassment. The order can last for a fixed period or until further order. Breaching it without a reasonable excuse is a criminal offence with a maximum of five years in prison. If the order is breached, report it to the police straight away.
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