Do the police have to record my crime if I report it?

Yes, under the National Crime Recording Standard, police must record a crime based on your account if you report it. This right exists regardless of whether anyone is caught or prosecuted. If the police refuse to record your crime, you have the right to make a complaint about their decision.

Do I need a conviction to receive compensation for my injuries?

You can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICA) even if no one is caught or convicted. Additionally, you can bring a civil claim against the offender, which is decided on the balance of probabilities rather than the criminal standard of proof. You may also receive a court compensation order if the offender is convicted.

What is a Victim Personal Statement and how is it used?

You can make a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) to explain how the crime has affected you. This statement can be read out in court and the judge must consider it when sentencing the offender. This right is part of the Victim's Code, which ensures you have a voice in the criminal justice process.

Is the Victim's Code legally binding or just guidance?

The Victim's Code is issued under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004. It is not merely guidance; service providers are legally required to comply with it. This ensures that victims receive the information, support, and voice in the process that the Code guarantees.

How long do I have to apply for criminal injuries compensation?

You should apply online to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) within two years of the crime. This scheme provides compensation for violent crimes that cause physical or mental injury. You can also seek compensation through a court order or a civil claim against the offender.

All Rights Guides

Criminal Justice

Your Rights as a Victim of Crime

If you are a victim of crime in England and Wales, you have rights under the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (the Victim's Code). This entitles you to information, support, and a voice in the criminal justice process, regardless of whether anyone is caught or prosecuted.

Last updated: 2026-03-01

Your Rights

Right to Report and Have Your Crime Recorded

The police must record a crime if you report one. Under the National Crime Recording Standard, the police record based on the victim's account. If the police refuse to record a crime, you can complain.

Victim's Code, Right 1; National Crime Recording Standard

Right to Support

You are entitled to access support services, whether or not you report the crime. This includes emotional support, practical help, and specialist services for vulnerable or intimidated victims. Support is available from Victim Support and specialist organisations.

Victim's Code, Right 4; EU Victims' Directive (retained)

Right to Information

You have the right to be kept informed about the progress of the investigation and any prosecution. The police must inform you if a suspect is arrested, charged, bailed, or released. The CPS must notify you of charging decisions.

Victim's Code, Rights 5–6

Right to Make a Victim Personal Statement

You can make a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) explaining how the crime has affected you. This can be read out in court and must be considered by the judge when sentencing.

Victim's Code, Right 8

Right to Compensation

You may be entitled to compensation through: (1) a court compensation order (the court can order the offender to pay you), (2) the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICA — for violent crimes causing physical or mental injury), or (3) a civil claim against the offender.

Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000, s.130; Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012

Common Myths

Myth

I can only get compensation if someone is convicted

Reality

You can apply to CICA even if no one is caught or convicted. You can also bring a civil claim on the balance of probabilities.

Myth

The Victim's Code is just guidance — it has no legal force

Reality

The Victim's Code is issued under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 and service providers must comply with it.

What To Do

Report the Crime

Call 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-emergencies. You can also report online.

Contact Victim Support

Call 0808 168 9111 (free, 24/7) for emotional support and practical help.

Apply to CICA

Apply online to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority within 2 years of the crime.

Key Legislation

Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004
Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012
Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000

Useful Contacts

Victim Support

Free support for victims and witnesses of crime.

Tel: 0808 168 9111

Website

CICA

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Website

Frequently asked questions

Do the police have to record my crime if I report it?: Yes, under the National Crime Recording Standard, police must record a crime based on your account if you report it. This right exists regardless of whether anyone is caught or prosecuted. If the police refuse to record your crime, you have the right to make a complaint about their decision.
Can I get support even if I don't report the crime to the police?: You are entitled to access support services whether or not you report the crime to the police. This includes emotional support, practical help, and specialist services for vulnerable or intimidated victims. You can contact Victim Support on 0808 168 9111 for free, 24/7 assistance with these needs.
Do I need a conviction to receive compensation for my injuries?: You can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICA) even if no one is caught or convicted. Additionally, you can bring a civil claim against the offender, which is decided on the balance of probabilities rather than the criminal standard of proof. You may also receive a court compensation order if the offender is convicted.
What is a Victim Personal Statement and how is it used?: You can make a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) to explain how the crime has affected you. This statement can be read out in court and the judge must consider it when sentencing the offender. This right is part of the Victim's Code, which ensures you have a voice in the criminal justice process.
Is the Victim's Code legally binding or just guidance?: The Victim's Code is issued under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004. It is not merely guidance; service providers are legally required to comply with it. This ensures that victims receive the information, support, and voice in the process that the Code guarantees.
How long do I have to apply for criminal injuries compensation?: You should apply online to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) within two years of the crime. This scheme provides compensation for violent crimes that cause physical or mental injury. You can also seek compensation through a court order or a civil claim against the offender.