Quickly exit this site by pressing the Escape key Leave this site
We use some essential cookies to make our website work. We’d like to set additional cookies so we can remember your preferences and understand how you use our site.
You can manage your preferences and cookie settings at any time by clicking on “Customise Cookies” below. For more information on how we use cookies, please see our Cookies notice.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can update your cookie settings at any time on the cookies page.
Sorry, there was a technical problem. Please try again.
This site is a beta, which means it's a work in progress and we'll be adding more to it over the next few weeks. Your feedback helps us make things better, so please let us know what you think.
1. What to expect as a victim or witness of a crime |
2. What happens after you report a crime? |
3. Victims' Right to Review scheme |
4. Giving a witness or victim statement |
5. Going to court |
6. What happens after the trial? |
7. Victim and witness support organisations |
If you’re a victim or witness of crime in London you can use Victim Support’s free and confidential service via the London Victim and Witness Service. The website also includes information about specialist services for children and young people.
Victim Support Scotland is a national charity dedicated to helping anyone affected by crime to cope with and recover from their experience. It offers free and confidential services not only to victims and witnesses, but also to their friends and family. They can be contacted on 0800 160 1985 Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm or through their website.
For both Victim Support and Victim Support Scotland you may request a referral from the police at any stage of your journey through the criminal justice system. You may also contact the service directly, with no referral from the police.
Citizens Advice Witness Service
A national charity and network of local charities offering confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free.
If you’re a witness at a criminal court in England or Wales, you can get free and independent support from the Citizens Advice Witness Service. It doesn’t matter who you’re a witness for, you can still get help.
Victim and witness information
A website that helps victims and witnesses of crime in England and Wales. It has information on what happens after reporting a crime, the people you might meet, the support you should get and how to complain if something goes wrong
A national charity dedicated to helping anyone affected by crime to cope with and recover from their experience. It offers services not only to victims and witnesses, but also to their friends and family.
If it doesn't have an office in your area, it can point you to local help.
It also runs My Support Space, a free, safe, secure and confidential space where you can choose how you want to be supported. Register for My Support Space - it's quick and easy.