Your Rights

Victims of crime have legal rights including:

• If you report a crime many of the agencies involved in your case have to keep you informed of what’s happening and when.
• As a victim you are entitled to know when someone is arrested, charged, bailed and sentenced for a crime against you.
• If you are vulnerable or have been intimidated you may get ‘special measures’ or additional help and support.
• As a victim you can choose to explain in your own words, to those involved in the case, how you have been affected by the crime. This is done by completing a Victim Personal Statement.
• For violent and sexual offences, you can expect to be told when an offender is about to be released from prison (where they have served a year or more in prison).
• You can expect to receive information about whether or not you may be able to claim compensation from the person responsible.
• If you are unhappy with the way your case has been dealt with, you have a right to complain.

To find out more, view A Guide for Victims which has been produced by the Criminal Justice System (CJS).  You can also find out more about victims rights on the Victim Support website .

If you’re a young victim of crime, find out more on our help and support for young victims pages.