Your rights

If you have been a victim or seen a crime, Victim First Futures can help you understand your rights and support you with the information you need.

You have the right to:

Receive information on what will happen next from the Police if you’ve reported a crime.
Be told about victim support services such as Victim First who you might want to talk to about what has happened.
Be told about the Police investigation.
Be given the option of making a Victim Personal Statement (VPS). This is when you talk about how the crime made you feel and how it has impacted you.
Be informed if the suspect is to be prosecuted or not.
Be informed if you need to give evidence in court. You can talk about what to expect and find out what support you might need through the Witness Service.
Receive information about Restorative Justice and how you can take part.
Make a complaint if you do not receive the information and services you are entitled to.

The Victims’ Code for Young Victims of Crime helps you understand what support you should get.

A full version of the Victims’ Code, leaflet guides for adults and young people, a poster, and a video for under-18s can be accessed on the gov.uk website.