You Are a Victim of Crime and Want Updates
You have reported a crime to the police and want to know your rights to information, support, and participation in the criminal justice process. This page covers the Victims' Code, the Victims' Right to Review scheme, and practical steps you can take.
Quick Answer
As a victim of crime you have 12 statutory entitlements under the Victims' Code 2020, including the right to be kept informed, to make a Victim Personal Statement, and to request a review of a CPS decision not to charge. You also have the right to enhanced support and special measures if you are a vulnerable or intimidated witness.
Full Explanation
The Victims' Code 2020 (made under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004) sets out 12 rights that every victim of criminal conduct in England and Wales is entitled to receive from criminal justice agencies. The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 placed key elements of the Code on a statutory footing and strengthened enforcement mechanisms.
Your assigned Officer in the Case (OIC) must keep you informed at regular intervals about the progress of the investigation, including any arrest, charge, bail decision, and court outcome. If you are assessed as a vulnerable or intimidated witness under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, you are entitled to a needs assessment and may be eligible for special measures at trial โ for example, giving evidence via live link or behind a screen.
If the police decide to take no further action (NFA) or the CPS decides not to charge, you have the right to request a review under the Victims' Right to Review (VRR) scheme within three months of the decision. The VRR scheme was established following the judicial review in R (B) v DPP [2009] EWHC 106. If the CPS has charged but then decides to discontinue or offer no evidence, the same review right applies.
You can make a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) โ a written statement to the court about the impact the crime has had on you. The court must consider it when sentencing. You have the right to read it aloud or have it read aloud at sentencing if you wish.
Financial compensation is available through two routes: a Compensation Order made by the court (mandatory consideration under Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 s.130), and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) for victims of violent crime. CICA claims must be submitted within two years of the incident (with limited exceptions for children and cases of historic abuse).
Legal Basis
- ยงVictims and Prisoners Act 2024 โ Strengthened statutory basis for victims' rights and the Victims' Code entitlements, placing key provisions in primary legislation.
- ยงDomestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 โ Original statutory basis for the Victims' Code and the appointment of the Victims' Commissioner.
- ยงYouth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, Part II โ Provides for special measures directions to assist vulnerable and intimidated witnesses to give best evidence.
- ยงPowers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000, s.130 โ Requires courts to consider making a Compensation Order in favour of the victim whenever an offender is sentenced.
What To Do
Contact Your Officer in the Case
Your OIC's contact details should have been provided when you reported the crime. Request an update in writing. Under the Victims' Code, you are entitled to be informed within 5 working days of any decision to arrest, charge, bail, or release the suspect, and within 1 working day of a suspect being charged with a serious or violent offence.
Request a Victims' Right to Review If No Charge
If the police take no further action or the CPS decides not to charge, write to the relevant agency (police or CPS) requesting a review within three months of the decision. Explain why you believe the decision was incorrect. The reviewing officer must be independent of the original decision-maker.
Make a Victim Personal Statement
Ask the police or the Witness Care Unit to arrange for you to make a VPS. You can update it at any time before sentencing. You have the right to read it aloud in court or have it read on your behalf. The court must take it into account when sentencing the offender.
Access Victim Support
Victim Support provides free, confidential support regardless of whether the crime was reported and regardless of the outcome. They can help with emotional support, practical advice, and support through court proceedings. Contact them directly at 0808 168 9111 or through GOV.UK.
Consider a CICA Compensation Claim for Violent Crime
If you were injured as a result of a violent crime, you may be entitled to compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). Claims must generally be submitted within two years of the incident. The CICA operates independently of the criminal courts โ you can claim even if the perpetrator has not been identified or convicted.
Important Deadlines
Important Warnings
The Victims' Code creates entitlements but enforcement is primarily through complaint mechanisms. If an agency fails to meet its obligations, escalate through the Victims' Commissioner's office.
A CICA claim will be refused if you have unspent convictions for certain offences, if you and the offender live together, or if you did not cooperate fully with the police investigation.
Making a Victim Personal Statement does not give you the right to dictate the sentence. The judge considers it as one of many factors.