The concerns of victims and witnesses of crime should be at the heart of the work of the criminal justice system as well as any support service that comes in to contact with victims and witnesses.

To make sure you are getting the right support, it is important that you are aware of your rights or entitlements as a victim or witness.

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime sets out the services you can expect to receive from each of the criminal justice agencies, like the police and the Crown Prosecution Service.

The Witness Charter

There are currently no special laws to say what support witnesses should receive. But, if you have witnessed a crime, the Witness Charter sets out what services the criminal justice agencies will aim to deliver to you.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with the service or support you have received as a victim of crime, then you have the right to complain to the agency or agencies involved.

Details of how to complain are contained in the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime.