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We can help you find your way around the criminal justice system, which can be a daunting experience
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Most people are used to seeing the police and courts in action on TV and in films. But real life can be quite different. Many of us won't actually come into contact with the criminal justice system unless we become a victim. It can then be quite a shock to learn how big and complicated it really is - and how many different agencies can get involved after a crime.
Having good information helps you make good choices if you become a victim. It can help you find your way around the criminal justice system. It helps you understand who you're dealing with and what they are supposed to do to help you. It helps you learn about your rights as a victim of crime. And it tells you who to complain to and how if things go wrong.
This part of our website gives you lots of information to help you deal with the experience of being a victim of crime. It includes information about:
- reporting a crime
- what the police do for victims
- what happens at court if you're called as a witness
- things you should be aware of when a court case ends
- compensation and insurance.
We've put together general information that we think is useful for every victim plus other information that's specific to different types of crime.
Because everyone's situation is different after a crime, we can't possibly cover everything on our website, but if there's more you want to know, please get in touch and well be happy to help. We've also given you links on the right to useful sources of more information.
You can also help improve our website by using the form on the left to send us comments about what you found helpful and things you'd like to see here.