A victim’s journey through the criminal justice system
Going through the criminal justice system can feel daunting and overwhelming. This simple overview maps out a victim’s journey through every stage to help you understand what the process looks like and how the different steps relate to each other.
Each victim’s journey depends on the crime, the outcome of the investigation and access to support services, but the rights all victims can expect to receive are set out in the Victims’ Code.
Stage one, Reporting the crime. If a crime happens to you, report the crime to the police. But if you decided not to report it then you can still get help from support services.
Stage two, the Police investigation. After the crime has been reported, you will receive a crime reference number (CRN) and a ‘victims of crime’ letter. Next you give a witness statement and can give a ‘Victim Personal Statement’. The police will then assess your needs and refer you to support services.
Stage three, charging the suspect. You will receive updates from the police investigation. The police may give an offender a caution with certain conditions. If there isn’t enough evidence, the police may decide not to progress the case. The case may be referred to Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) if the police decide to charge the suspect. If the crown prosecution service decides to not take the case to court. You can ask for a review of the decision through the Victims’ Right to Review scheme. If the crown prosecution service decides to charge the suspect, they will take the case to court.
Stage four, the first court hearing. The defendant (offender) states their plea, and you are told the outcome. If the defendant pleads guilty, the case proceeds to sentencing. The Witness Care Unit will tell you the sentence. You will also be referred to the Victim Contact Scheme if the offender is sentenced to over 12 months or to a hospital order for a violent or sexual crime. If the defendant pleads not guilty and trial date is set.
Stage five, the court trial. The Witness Care Unit assesses your needs, supports you before the trial and may refer you to the Witness Service. You go to court on the day of the trial and give evidence. If needed, you can get extra support known as special measures to help you give evidence. A verdict is reached, and you are told the outcome by the Witness Care Unit. If the defendant is found not guilty then you may be referred to support services. Else, the defendant is found guilty and the case proceeds to sentencing. You are told if the offender (defendant) appeals their sentence.
Stage six, after the trial. You can join the Victim Contact Scheme if the offender (defendant) is sentenced to over 12 months or to a hospital order for a violent or sexual crime. You receive updates throughout the offender’s sentence from the Victim Contact Scheme. The offender might be considered for parole (early release). You can give your views on parole conditions and write a Victim Personal Statement for the Parole Board. You will be told the Parole Board’s decision. When the offender is released you will be told.
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