What rights does a victim of crime actually have?
A set of entitlements set out in a statutory code — which many victims do not know exists, and which places obligations on police, prosecutors and courts rather than offering discretionary kindness.
The core entitlements under the Victims' Code in England and Wales:
To be given information about the investigation, including being told if a suspect is arrested, charged, released or bailed, and being kept updated at defined points.
To be told if a case is dropped, and to have that decision reviewed — the Victims' Right to Review scheme allows you to ask for a decision not to prosecute to be reconsidered, which is a genuine and under-used right.
To make a Victim Personal Statement, describing how the crime affected you. It is read by the court before sentencing, and it is about impact rather than about what sentence you want. Many victims are never told they can make one.
To be referred to support services, regardless of whether the crime was reported and regardless of whether anyone is charged.
To needs assessment, and to enhanced entitlements if you are a victim of the most serious crime, are persistently targeted, or are vulnerable or intimidated.
To special measures where eligible — screens, video link, evidence recorded in advance, removal of wigs and gowns, an intermediary — which are applied for and are intended to make giving evidence possible rather than easier.
To be informed about the trial, and to attend.
To information about the offender's release, through the Victim Contact Scheme where the sentence qualifies.
To claim compensation, through a court order or the criminal injuries scheme.
To make a complaint where entitlements are not delivered, and to escalate to the Parliamentary Ombudsman.
What the Code does not do. It does not give a victim control over the prosecution, which is brought in the public interest rather than on the victim's behalf, and it is not directly legally enforceable in the way a statutory right would be — a criticism that has driven reform proposals.
Support is available independently, including from national victim support organisations, without any police involvement.
General information, not legal advice.