Victims' Code

If you have experienced domestic abuse, you have rights under the Victims’ code. ​

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What is the Victims’ Code?

 

The Victims’ code is a set of rules that explains what support and information you can expect from the police, courts, and other services in the criminal justice system. Download a copy here, or by clicking on the image below.

 

We are here to make sure you are treated with respect, compassion and understanding. 

The Victims' Code is a law that gives you 12 rights if you are a victim of crime in England and Wales.

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As a victim of domestic abuse, you have rights that protect you and make sure you are heard. You don’t have to go through this alone - support is there for you every step of the way. These rights are designed to help you feel:

• Heard

• Informed

• Supported

• Safe

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Special Support for Victims of Domestic Abuse

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If you are a victim of domestic abuse, you may also:

• Get help from specialist trained support workers

• Be given special measures in court, such as giving evidence from behind a screen or via video

• Be referred to local support services who understand domestic abuse

• Be protected from seeing or being questioned by the abuser in court

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You can ask for help at any stage – from when you first report abuse, during the court case, or afterward. 

 

A list of the rights: 

1. To be able to understand and to be understood

2. To have the details of the crime recorded without unjustified delay

3. To be provided with information when reporting the crime

4. To be referred to services that support victims and have services and support tailored to your needs

5. To be provided with information about compensation

6. To be provided with information about the investigation and prosecution

7. To make a Victim Personal Statement

8. To be given information about the trial, trial process and your role as a witness

9. To be given information about the outcome of the case and any appeals

10. To be paid expenses and have property returned

11. To be given information about the offender following a conviction

12. To make a complaint about your Rights not being met

 

The 12 rights in relation to Domestic Abuse: 

Clear information
You have the right to be spoken to in a way that’s easy to understand, with extra support if you need it.

Quick recording
When you report abuse, the police must take it seriously and record it straight away.

Knowing what happens next
You should always be told what will happen after you’ve reported — like how you’ll be kept safe and what steps might follow.

Support for you
You’re entitled to free, confidential support that fits your needs — whether that’s emotional support, housing advice, or help with children.

Compensation
You should be told if you can apply for compensation for the harm you’ve experienced, and how to do this.

Updates on your case
You should be kept up to date about what’s happening with your case, so you’re never left in the dark.

Sharing your experience
You can make a statement to explain how the abuse has affected your life — the court must listen to this when deciding the outcome.

Support at court
If you need to go to court, you should be given help to feel safe — for example, giving evidence from another room or behind a screen.

Hearing the result
You should be told the outcome of the case, including any appeals, so you don’t have to find out on your own.

Expenses and belongings
If you go to court, you can claim back costs like travel or childcare. Any belongings taken for evidence should be returned quickly.

Updates about the offender
If the person who hurt you is sent to prison, you may be kept informed about release dates or parole, so you can plan for your safety.

Speaking up if things go wrong
If you feel your rights haven’t been respected, you can make a complaint and have your concerns taken seriously.

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