As a victim of crime, you will know that every case is different. However, there are a few common steps you can expect to experience.
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Step 1 :
When a crime happens to you, you have a couple of options. You can either:
- report the crime to the police
- decide not to report the crime
Regardless of whether you choose to formally report the crime or not, you are still entitled to help from support services.
The benefit in reporting the crime is to help the police to build a case, which can help ensure that justice for the crime is achieved.
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Step 2 :
If you chose to report the crime, you should then receive confirmation from the police that your report has been logged.
This will usually take the form of a crime reference number, and a victims of crime letter.
There are a few things you will likely do next:
- give a witness statement providing more detail into what happened
- be given the opportunity to give a Victim Personal Statement, which highlights how the crime has affected you personally
At this point, the police should also assess your needs, and refer you to appropriate support services
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Step 3 :
As the investigation progresses, you should expect to receive updates from the police.
There are a few outcomes you can expect, where:
- a decision is reached to charge the suspect. If this happens, the police will refer the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (known as the CPS), who may decide to take the case to court
- the police give the offender a caution with certain conditions
- the case is filed due to there not being enough evidence
If the CPS decide not to take the case to court, you can ask for a review of the decision through the Victims’ Right to Review scheme.
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Step 4 :
The defendant will state their plea, and you will be told the outcome.
If they plead guilty, the case will proceed to sentencing. You can expect us as your Victim and Witness Support Service, to tell you the sentence. You will be referred to the Victim Contact Scheme if the offender is sentence to over 12 months.
If the defendant pleads not guilty, a trial date will be set.
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Step 5 :
If the case goes to court, you can expect to have to go to court on the day of the trial and give evidence. A verdict will be reached, and you will be told the outcome by us.
We will also:
- assess your needs
- support you before the trial
- potentially refer you to the Witness Service
You can also get extra support to help you give evidence if needed. These are known as ‘special measures’.
Sentencing
If the defendant is found guilty, the case will proceed to sentencing. You will be told if the offender appeals their sentence.
If the defendant is found not guilty, you may be referred to support services.
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