What rights do I have as a victim of crime in England and Wales?

If you are a victim of crime in England and Wales, you have rights set out in the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime, commonly known as the Victims' Code. The Code was most recently updated in 2024 and applies to all criminal justice agencies: police, the Crown Prosecution Service, courts, and the probation service. It establishes 12 overarching rights that every victim is entitled to, regardless of the type of crime.

Your core rights include the right to be told what is happening with your case at every stage, from the initial report through to any trial and sentencing. The police must provide you with a crime reference number, keep you informed of the progress of the investigation, and tell you if a suspect is arrested, charged, bailed, or released. If the CPS decides not to prosecute, you have the right to be told why and, in some cases, to request a review of that decision under the Victims' Right to Review scheme.

You have the right to make a Victim Personal Statement explaining how the crime has affected you. This statement can be read aloud in court or submitted in writing, and the sentencing judge must consider it. For serious offences, you may also be eligible for the Victim Contact Scheme, which keeps you informed about the offender's sentence, including any release on licence, transfer between prisons, or temporary release.

Victims can apply for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) if they have suffered physical or mental injury as a result of a violent crime. The scheme is governed by the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme 2012 and has strict time limits: applications must normally be made within two years of the incident. Separately, a court can order the offender to pay compensation directly to the victim as part of their sentence under section 133 of the Sentencing Act 2020.

Support services are available to all victims regardless of whether they report the crime to the police. The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 places duties on agencies to support victims, and the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 has strengthened these duties further. Victim Support, the independent charity, provides free confidential support, and local Police and Crime Commissioners commission additional victim services in their areas.

Key Points

• The Victims' Code 2024 establishes 12 rights for all victims of crime in England and Wales
• You have the right to be kept informed about the progress of your case at every stage
• You can make a Victim Personal Statement that the court must consider at sentencing
• The Victims' Right to Review allows you to challenge a decision not to prosecute
• The Victim Contact Scheme provides updates on the offender's sentence for serious crimes
• You can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority for compensation after a violent crime
• Courts can order the offender to pay you compensation directly as part of sentencing
• Victim Support and local services provide free confidential help whether or not you report to police