Things every victim needs to know
If you're a victim of crime, you don't have to cope alone
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Whatever crime you've experienced there is some core information that you need to know:
Crime can affect you in many ways
People can have all kinds of reactions to being a victim of crime. You may be affected both emotionally and physically. Be aware of how you feel and recognise that the crime may be to blame.
You don't have to cope alone: Victim Support is here to help
We've been helping people cope with crime for over 35 years and we offer to help around 1.5 million people affected by crime every year. Read about what we can do to support you or contact us now.
Do you want to report the crime?
If you've been a victim of crime you may want to report it to the police. If the police aren't informed, little or nothing will be done to catch the offender and stop them doing it again. You may also need to tell the police if you want to make an insurance claim or to get criminal injuries compensation. But we also know that some people don't want to have to deal with the police for personal reasons or because they think it may make things worse. We can give you information to help you make the right decision for you.
Find out about the criminal justice system
Lots of different agencies work together to deal with crime. This can make things complicated and confusing for victims who are already struggling to deal with what they've been through. We can give you information to help you get the best out of the criminal justice system and understand what help, support and information you should be getting.
We'll support you if you have to go to court
As a victim, you may have to go to court to give evidence if someone is charged with the crime. Our Witness Service is there to help make the process of being a witness easier.