Know your rights
The Victims' Code
The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales sets out 12 minimum rights every victim of crime is entitled to receive from criminal justice agencies — the police, CPS, courts, witness care units, prison and probation services, and Victim Support.
Information only. This is not legal advice. Court procedures and the law change. Always confirm with a solicitor, Citizens Advice, or a domestic abuse advocate before acting.
Who it applies to
Anyone who has suffered harm — physical, mental, emotional or economic — directly caused by a criminal offence in England or Wales. It also applies to close relatives of someone who died as a result of crime, and to parents/guardians of victims under 18. You do not need to have reported to the police to be entitled to Right 4 (support services).
Enhanced rights apply automatically if you are a victim of domestic abuse, a sexual offence, stalking, modern slavery, hate crime, or the most serious crime, or if you are vulnerable or intimidated (s.16–17 Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999).
The 12 Rights
- 1
To be able to understand and to be understood
Information must be given in simple, accessible language. You have a right to an interpreter, BSL, Easy Read, large print or translated documents as needed.
- 2
To have the details of the crime recorded without unjustified delay
The police must record your report promptly and give you a written acknowledgement and crime reference number.
- 3
To be provided with information when reporting the crime
You must be told what happens next, given written information about the Victims' Code, and offered a referral to victim support services (including IDVA/ISVA for domestic and sexual violence).
- 4
To be referred to services that support victims and have services and support tailored to your needs
Includes a Needs Assessment. Enhanced rights apply if you are a victim of the most serious crime (e.g. domestic abuse, sexual offences, stalking), a persistently targeted victim, or vulnerable/intimidated.
- 5
To be provided with information about compensation
Including how to apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) — generally within 2 years of the incident, with discretion for DA/historic abuse victims.
- 6
To be provided with information about the investigation and prosecution
Regular updates on arrests, bail conditions, charging decisions, court dates and outcomes — usually within 1 working day for enhanced-right victims, 5 days otherwise.
- 7
To make a Victim Personal Statement (VPS)
Tell the court in your own words how the crime has affected you — physically, emotionally, financially. You can read it aloud or have it read out before sentencing.
- 8
To be given information about the trial, trial process and your role as a witness
Including special measures (screens, video link, pre-recorded evidence under s.28 YJCEA 1999), court familiarisation visits, and the option to request a separate waiting area.
- 9
To be given information about the outcome of the case and any appeals
Sentence, any appeal lodged, and the outcome. Right to ask the Attorney General to review an 'unduly lenient sentence' within 28 days for qualifying offences.
- 10
To be paid expenses and have property returned
Reasonable travel, childcare and loss-of-earnings expenses for attending court. Property held as evidence must be returned as soon as it is no longer needed.
- 11
To be given information about the offender following a conviction
Through the Victim Contact Scheme for offenders sentenced to 12+ months for a violent or sexual offence — including release plans, licence conditions and the right to make representations.
- 12
To make a complaint about your Rights not being met
Complain first to the agency (police, CPS, court, probation). If unresolved, escalate to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman via your MP, or the Victims' Commissioner.
If your rights are breached
- Complain in writing to the agency responsible (police force, CPS Area, HMCTS, probation).
- If unhappy with the response, escalate to that agency's independent body — e.g. the IOPC for police complaints, or the CPS Independent Assessor of Complaints.
- Final stage: ask your MP to refer the complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman. You can also raise systemic issues with the Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales.
Scotland & Northern Ireland
- Scotland: the equivalent is the Victims' Code for Scotland, underpinned by the Victims and Witnesses (Scotland) Act 2014.
- Northern Ireland: the Victim Charter sets out 50 entitlements under the Justice Act (NI) 2015.