After a trial
Life can still be challenging for victims after a trial
Related links:
Whether or not you're called as a witness, a court case can be a very important part of your experience as a victim of crime. You may want to attend a trial or choose not to. You might just want to know what the verdict was. We can help you get the information you need to keep up-to-date on what's happening in your case.
Many victims whose cases come to court focus on the trial as a time when they hope everything they've been through will be resolved. If the accused is found not guilty, that can come as a huge disappointment for you, your friends and your family. Even if the accused is found guilty and you're happy with the sentence, the time after a trial can still feel like an anticlimax.
You may have put all your energy into preparing for the trial and feel exahusted. Or you might suddenly feel that even though the offender has now been punished, you still have to cope with all the problems they have caused you. However you react, we'll be there to support you after the trial if you want us to.
Keeping victims informed
The National Probation Service is legally required to contact victims and their families after someone has been imprisoned for 12 months or more after a sexual or violent crime.
They will give you information about what will happen to the offender and tell you about the circumstances under which they might be released again. They will ask you if you want to be kept informed of developments during the sentence (for example if the offender is moved to a different prison) and told when the offender is going to be released. They will also discuss any concerns that you might have and can help to make arrangements for your protection after someone comes out of jail (such as steps to prevent the offender contacting you or your family).
If you are a victim of crime, or the relative of a victim, and you've received unwanted contact from a prisoner whether by letter, text or through social media sites such as Facebook or you're worried about their release from prison, contact the National Offender Management Service Victim Helpline on 0845 7585 112 or email victim.helpline@noms.gsi.gov.uk