Victims Code of Practice

• Victims of all crime types get access to vital services, like pre-trial therapy and counselling.
• Close relatives of somebody who has been killed as a result of a crime or those who are a parent or carer of a victim of crime aged under 18 also have the right to support.
• Enhanced services are available to victims who are considered vulnerable or intimidated, are victims of the most serious crime (for example domestic abuse, hate crimes, sexual offences and including a bereaved close relative) or have been persistently targeted.
• The police will maintain contact with victims throughout the investigation process based on how often the victim chooses to be contacted. The police will keep victims informed of progress in the investigation (e.g. arrests are made or suspects are charged).
• Victims are automatically referred to victims services by the police for emotional and practical support. This can include specialist support for children, victims of sexual offences, or victims of domestic abuse.
• In addition to a witness statement, victims can make a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) explaining how the crime has affected them physically, emotionally, financially or in any other way. A VPS can be read in court at the choice of the victim.
• Special measures options at court and out of court disposal options such as restorative justice process are explained to victims.

These are just some of the matters covered in the Victims Code. The full Victims Code can be accessed here in an accessible format.