Last Updated: 5 August 2026 I Reading Time: 6 minutes
Summary
Being the victim of a crime can have a lasting physical, emotional and financial impact. While every person’s experience is different, it’s important to know that victims in England and Wales have legal rights designed to ensure they are treated fairly and kept informed throughout the criminal justice process.
This guide explains your rights under the Victims’ Code, what a Victim Personal Statement is, what support is available, and how you may be able to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) if you have been injured as a result of violent crime.
Quick answer
If you are the victim of a crime in England or Wales, you have legal rights under the Victims’ Code. These include the right to receive information about your case, access support services, make a Victim Personal Statement, and, in some circumstances, apply for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
In this article
- What are victims’ rights?
- Understanding the Victims’ Code
- What is a Victim Personal Statement?
- Support available for victims of crime
- Criminal injury compensation through the CICA
- How GLP Solicitors can help
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key takeaways
- Victims have legal rights under the Victims’ Code in England and Wales.
- You have the right to receive updates about your case and access support services.
- A Victim Personal Statement allows you to explain how the crime has affected you.
- Victims of violent crime may be eligible to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
- There are strict eligibility criteria and time limits for CICA claims.
- Specialist legal advice can help you understand your rights and the compensation process.
What are victims’ rights in the UK?
If you have been the victim of a crime, you have legal rights designed to ensure you are treated with dignity, respect and fairness throughout the criminal justice process.
In England and Wales, these rights are set out in the Victims’ Code, which explains the minimum standard of service victims should receive from organisations including the police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the courts.
These rights apply to victims of many different types of crime, including violent offences, domestic abuse, sexual offences, robbery and assault.
What is the Victims’ Code?
The Victims’ Code sets out the rights that victims should receive from criminal justice agencies.
Depending on your circumstances, these rights may include:
- Being treated with respect and sensitivity.
- Receiving information about your case.
- Being told about important decisions made during the investigation.
- Accessing specialist support services.
- Making a Victim Personal Statement.
- Being informed about the outcome of criminal proceedings.
- Requesting a review if a decision is made not to prosecute in certain circumstances.
- Receiving information about claiming compensation where appropriate.
The Code aims to ensure victims remain informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process.
What is a Victim Personal Statement?
A Victim Personal Statement (VPS) gives you the opportunity to explain how the crime has affected your life.
You may wish to describe:
- Physical injuries.
- Emotional or psychological impact.
- Financial losses.
- The effect on your family or daily life.
- Ongoing concerns resulting from the offence.
The statement helps the court understand the wider impact of the crime and may be considered during sentencing. However, it does not determine whether a defendant is found guilty or the amount of any compensation awarded.
What support is available for victims of crime?
Experiencing crime can affect every aspect of your life, and support is available whether or not a criminal prosecution takes place.
Depending on your circumstances, support may include:
- Emotional support and counselling.
- Independent victim support services.
- Practical advice following a crime.
- Domestic abuse support.
- Sexual violence support services.
- Children’s support services where appropriate.
The police can usually provide information about local support organisations, and specialist charities are available for victims of particular types of crime.
Can victims claim compensation?
If you have suffered a physical or psychological injury as a result of a violent crime, you may be able to apply for compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
The CICA is a government-funded scheme that compensates eligible victims of violent crime in England, Wales and Scotland.
To qualify, you will normally need to satisfy the Scheme’s eligibility requirements, which generally include:
- Reporting the crime to the police as soon as reasonably practicable.
- Cooperating with the criminal justice process.
- Meeting the relevant application time limits (subject to certain exceptions).
Compensation may be available for qualifying physical injuries, psychological injuries and, in some circumstances, financial losses.
Why obtaining legal advice can help
Although individuals can make a CICA application themselves, the Scheme can be complex.
A solicitor experienced in Criminal Injury Compensation claims can help:
- Assess whether you are eligible.
- Gather supporting evidence.
- Ensure the correct injuries are included.
- Challenge decisions where appropriate.
- Advise on Reviews and Appeals if compensation has been refused or appears too low.
Every case depends on its own facts, so obtaining advice early can help you understand your options.
How GLP Solicitors can help
GLP Solicitors has extensive experience helping victims of violent crime make applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
Our specialist team can advise whether you may be eligible for compensation, assist with preparing your application, gather supporting evidence and represent you if a Review or Appeal becomes necessary. We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible while providing clear, practical advice throughout your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Victims in England and Wales have rights under the Victims’ Code, including the right to receive information about their case, access support services, make a Victim Personal Statement and, where appropriate, seek compensation.
A Victim Personal Statement allows you to explain how the crime has affected you physically, emotionally and financially. It helps the court understand the impact of the offence but does not determine the outcome of the criminal case.
Yes. If you meet the eligibility criteria under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, you may be able to claim compensation through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA).
Not always. In many cases, a CICA application can be made while criminal proceedings are ongoing, although the Authority may wait for certain aspects of the criminal case before making a final decision.
No. You can apply yourself, but many people choose to seek specialist legal advice, particularly where the injuries are serious, the application is complex or a decision needs to be challenged.
Yes. If you disagree with the CICA’s decision, you can usually request a Review. If you remain dissatisfied, you may be able to appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal.
Support may include emotional support, counselling, practical advice, domestic abuse services, sexual violence support services and referrals to specialist organisations depending on the nature of the crime.
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