Employee

Section 2: Victims’ Code

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime is a statutory Government document which sets out the information, support and services that victims of crime are entitled to receive from criminal justice agencies in England and Wales. These criminal justice agencies include the police and Crown Prosecution Service. More information on the victims code and support available can be found at the gov.uk website.


Under the Victims' Code, support for victims of crime includes:

• Being kept informed about the police investigation into the crime, including if a suspect is arrested or charged.

• If a suspect is bailed, their bail conditions must be explained to you. This also includes if their conditions change. 

• Being informed of what to expect if you need to give evidence in court, including the help and support on offer to you through the Witness Care Unit. 

• The ability to apply for special measures in court. This is to help you give your best evidence if you are under 18 or an adult who is vulnerable or intimidated. 

• Being able to join the Victim Contact Scheme. This means you will be told when an offender will be released, should they have been sentenced to a year or more in prison for a violent or sexual offence against you. 

• Having the ability to apply for compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. 

• Receiving information about Restorative Justice. This allows the victim to explain to the offender the impact the crime has had on the victim. 

• Being able to complain if you don’t receive what you should under the Victims' Code. You also have the right for your complaint to be handled professionally and quickly.