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Should you tell the police about the crime?

If you're a crime victim, it’s normal to feel anxious about contacting the police and filing a police report. You may be feeling upset or confused and have doubts about who you should speak to.

You are not legally required to report what happened to the police, but your information could bring the criminal to justice and protect others.

When you report a crime to the police they must treat you with consideration. They should also ask if you’d like help from people who offer support and advice, such as Victim Support.

Find out details of who to contact by putting your postcode through the finder on the page linked below.

• Local crime and justice Opens new window

Victim Support

Victim Support is an independent national charity where the staff and volunteers are trained to provide emotional and practical help.

They provide extensive services for victims, including:

• someone you can talk to in complete confidence
• advice on your rights
• information on what to expect from the police and the courts
• advice on compensation and insurance
• counselling to deal with what you’ve been through

Anyone affected by crime can contact Victim Support for help. It doesn’t matter if you’ve reported the crime to the police or if the crime took place a long time ago.

Victim Support line: 0845 30 30 900
Number for those with hearing difficulties: 18001 0845 30 30 90
Minicom (or text telephone): 020 7896 3776
Email: supportline@victimsupport.org.uk

• Victim Support website Opens new window

Victims' rights

Victims have a right to certain services from the criminal justice system. Many of these are set out in the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime, which explains what the police and the Crown Prosecution Service must do for you.

Your rights include:

• you can make a personal statement to the police, describing how the crime affected you, and this will be considered by the courts when the case is heard
• you have a right to regular updates (at least monthly) from the police about your case, and should be told when the criminal is arrested, charged, bailed and sentenced
• when your case is heard in court, you should have a separate waiting area away from the defendant's family and friends
• you should receive clear information about whether you qualify for compensation

Find out more about your rights by following the link below.

Support for victims in the justice system

You can get a good look at the help available to you by using the victims' virtual walkthrough. It guides you through the processes you’ll encounter from the moment you report the crime, through the police investigation, court processes and sentencing.

It also provides information on the support available to you, through the courts and the police.

• Victims walkthrough from Criminal Justice System Online Opens new window

More organisations that can help

Along with Victim Support, there are many groups out there that offer support to crime victims.

Some specialise in victims of certain kinds of crime, such as the Survivors Trust, which specialises in finding help for victims of sexual crime. Others help victims of all crimes.

The following groups can help:

• The Witness Service – can work with you during a court case
• Community Legal Service – to help you deal with any legal problems related to the crime
• Citizen’s Advice Bureau – can give you general advice and help, and advise you about suing the offender for damages
• The Survivors' Trust – can help victims of sexual assault get support, counselling and information

• The Survivors Trust Opens new window

• Witness Service Opens new window

• Visit the Community Legal Service website Opens new window

• Contact the Citizens Advice Bureau Opens new window