Victim Support & Recovery

Supporting Victims, Families and Communities Becoming a victim of crime can have significant emotional, physical, psychological, social and financial effects. Recovery is different for every individual, and support should be available regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, religion, sexual orientation, immigration status or personal circumstances. This page provides information about victims' rights, support services, recovery options, compensation schemes, witness support and assistance available to families affected by crime. The information is intended for guidance only and does not replace professional legal, medical or therapeutic advice.

Understanding Victim Support

A victim is generally considered to be anyone who has suffered harm as a result of criminal conduct, including:

• Direct victims of crime.
• Children affected by crime.
• Witnesses who experience harm.
• Family members of victims.
• Bereaved relatives where a death has occurred.
• Individuals affected by domestic abuse, hate crime, exploitation or violence.

Support may be available whether or not a crime has been reported to police.

Victims' Rights

The Victims' Code

Victims in England and Wales have rights under the Victims' Code.

The Code sets out minimum standards of service that victims should receive from:

• Police.
• Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
• Courts.
• Probation services.
• Other criminal justice agencies.

Key Rights Include

Right to Be Treated with Respect

Victims should be treated:

• Fairly.
• Respectfully.
• Professionally.
• Without discrimination.

Right to Information

Victims should receive information about:

• Investigations.
• Court proceedings.
• Outcomes.
• Available support services.

Right to Support Services

Victims can access support services even if they choose not to report a crime.

Right to Make a Victim Personal Statement

Victims may explain:

• Emotional impact.
• Physical injuries.
• Financial losses.
• Effects on daily life.

Right to Special Measures

Some victims and witnesses may receive additional support when attending court.

Official Guidance

Victims' Code:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-code-of-practice-for-victims-of-crime

Victims' Commissioner for England and Wales:

https://victimscommissioner.org.uk

Victim Support Services

National Victim Support

Victim Support is an independent charity offering free and confidential support.

Support may include:

• Emotional support.
• Practical assistance.
• Safety planning.
• Information about the justice process.
• Referrals to specialist services.

Website:

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk

Supportline:

08 08 16 89 111

Specialist Support Services

Additional support may be available for:

Domestic Abuse

Refuge

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Women's Aid

https://www.womensaid.org.uk

Sexual Violence

Rape Crisis England & Wales

https://rapecrisis.org.uk

Hate Crime

True Vision

https://www.report-it.org.uk

Child Victims

NSPCC

https://www.nspcc.org.uk

Childline

https://www.childline.org.uk

0800 1111

Criminal Injuries Compensation

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)

Some victims of violent crime may be eligible for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

The scheme may consider:

• Physical injuries.
• Psychological injuries.
• Sexual offences.
• Fatal incidents.

Eligibility

Applications are assessed individually according to scheme rules.

Eligibility may depend upon:

• Reporting requirements.
• Time limits.
• Nature of injuries.
• Evidence available.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/criminal-injuries-compensation-authority

Apply Online:

https://www.gov.uk/claim-compensation-criminal-injury

Trauma After Crime

Understanding Trauma

Crime can affect people differently.

Common reactions may include:

• Shock.
• Fear.
• Anger.
• Anxiety.
• Guilt.
• Sleep difficulties.
• Hypervigilance.
• Loss of confidence.
• Difficulty concentrating.

These responses can occur immediately or develop over time.

Post-Traumatic Stress

Some people may experience symptoms associated with trauma or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Professional support may be beneficial where symptoms persist or significantly affect daily life.

NHS Information

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

Emotional Recovery

Recovery is Personal

There is no single or correct way to recover after crime.

Recovery may involve:

• Emotional support.
• Counselling.
• Therapy.
• Peer support groups.
• Family support.
• Practical assistance.

Looking After Wellbeing

Helpful approaches may include:

• Maintaining routines.
• Staying connected with trusted people.
• Seeking professional support.
• Managing stress.
• Avoiding isolation.

Mental Health Support

NHS Mental Health Services

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Mind

https://www.mind.org.uk

Samaritans

https://www.samaritans.org

Call: 116 123

Available 24 hours a day.

Court Support

Attending Court

Attending court can be stressful for victims and witnesses.

Support is available before, during and after proceedings.

Support may include:

• Court familiarisation visits.
• Information about procedures.
• Separate waiting areas.
• Assistance from court staff.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-courts-and-tribunals-service

Witness Support

Witness Service

The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support for witnesses attending court.

Services may include:

• Court orientation.
• Emotional reassurance.
• Information about court procedures.
• Signposting to additional support.

Witness Service:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/witness-service

Special Measures

Certain witnesses may qualify for additional protections including:

• Giving evidence by video link.
• Screens in court.
• Removal of wigs and gowns in some circumstances.
• Communication support.

Eligibility is determined by the court.

Family Support After Crime

Impact on Families

Crime can affect:

• Partners.
• Parents.
• Children.
• Siblings.
• Extended family members.

Family members may experience:

• Anxiety.
• Emotional distress.
• Financial difficulties.
• Practical challenges.
• Changes in family relationships.

Support should consider the needs of the whole family where appropriate.

Family Support Organisations

Victim Support

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk

Family Lives

https://www.familylives.org.uk

Bereavement Following Crime

Homicide and Fatal Incidents

The death of a loved one through violence, negligence or criminal conduct can create complex emotional and practical challenges.

Families may require support with:

• Grief and bereavement.
• Criminal investigations.
• Court proceedings.
• Media attention.
• Financial concerns.

Homicide Service

Victim Support Homicide Service:

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help/support-near-you/homicide-service

Provides specialist support to families bereaved through murder, manslaughter and related offences.

Bereavement Support

Cruse Bereavement Support

https://www.cruse.org.uk

Support Line:

0808 808 1677

Children Affected by Crime

Children may be affected directly or indirectly by criminal behaviour.

Support should always consider:

• Age and understanding.
• Emotional wellbeing.
• Educational needs.
• Safeguarding concerns.

Professionals working with children should follow safeguarding responsibilities under relevant legislation.

Child Support Resources

NSPCC

https://www.nspcc.org.uk

Childline

https://www.childline.org.uk

Privacy, Confidentiality and Data Protection

Victims have rights relating to privacy and personal information.

Organisations should comply with:

• UK GDPR.
• Data Protection Act 2018.
• Human Rights Act 1998.

Personal information should only be shared where lawful, necessary and proportionate.

Equality, Human Rights and Protection from Discrimination

Victims are entitled to equal treatment regardless of:

• Age.
• Disability.
• Race.
• Religion or belief.
• Sex.
• Sexual orientation.
• Gender reassignment.
• Marriage or civil partnership.
• Pregnancy or maternity status.

Relevant legislation includes:

• Equality Act 2010.
• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.
• Data Protection Act 2018.

Public authorities must act fairly, lawfully and proportionately.

Important Notice

This website provides general information only and does not provide legal advice, counselling, medical treatment or emergency services.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

For legal advice, consult a qualified solicitor or legal professional.

For medical emergencies, contact emergency services or appropriate healthcare providers.

Information is reviewed periodically; however, users should always verify information through official government, statutory and professional sources.