The Victims’ Code is intended to make sure victims of crime get the support and protection they need from when they report a crime through to the court case and beyond if necessary. It sets out the information and entitlements that victims of crime can expect from the agency dealing with the crime.

The Victims’ Code applies to all victims of crimes that were committed in England or Wales or where the criminal trial takes place in England or Wales. The Code applies to victims, parents or guardians of victims under 18 and close relatives of those killed as a result of crime.

Victims who don’t live in England or Wales are still entitled to the services set out in the Victims' Code if the crime took place in England or Wales, or if the services relate to criminal proceedings that are taking place in England and Wales. If a victim has left the territory of England or Wales, the country they now reside in should provide victim support services.

For information on the services available to victims of crime visit the Victims Information Service website or call 0808 168 9293.

Our Responsibility

In cases where the National Crime Agency is responsible for investigating an alleged criminal offence, victims will be assigned a Victim Care Officer. A Victim Care Officer’s responsibilities include ensuring that the victim’s needs are considered and that they remain informed about important developments in the investigation.

Main Entitlements

The Code requires the NCA to provide the following services:

A victim must receive written acknowledgement confirming that they have reported a criminal offence. The note must include the basic details of the reported offence;
The victim’s needs must be assessed and where additional support is needed a referral can be made to the appropriate support services. The following categories of victim are entitled to an enhanced level of service: victims aged under 18, victims of the most serious crimes and victims who are vulnerable, intimidated or persistently targeted;
The victim should receive information regarding the investigation in simple and accessible language;
The victim should be made aware that they may be accompanied by an appropriate person (such as a partner, relative or close friend) at the first interview with the NCA unless it might adversely affect the investigation;
The victim has a right to be notified of a decision not to proceed with or to end, an investigation into that crime. Such information should be provided in a timely manner; and
The victim has a right to receive information regarding the NCA’s Right to Review process. The right to review arises when a suspect has been arrested and interviewed under caution and the NCA decides not to refer a case to the Crown Prosecution Service for a charging decision. The Code contains the right to request that a decision be reconsidered under a Right to Review scheme. Where a review takes place it will be conducted by a different team from the investigators who originally made the decision.

Victims who would like to exercise their right to request a review can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., clearly labelling the message as ‘Victims’ right to review’. This should be done with advice from their Victim Care Officer.

See the full list of entitlements under the Victims' Code

Complaints

The NCA takes its responsibilities under the Victims’ Code seriously. Where a victim is not satisfied with the support they have received, the Victim Care Officer should be notified.

If a complaint cannot be resolved in this manner, victims can also make a complaint by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Protection Measures

In the course of the investigation the Victim Care Officer will make an assessment of victims' safety and keep this updated. Where necessary, the NCA will work to put in place protection measures for the victim and their family. If victims are concerned about their safety or the safety of someone close to them as a result of a criminal investigation by the NCA, it is important that they let their Victim Care Officer know.

If victims are threatened or harassed during an investigation or trial they should contact their Victim Care Officer immediately.

Compensation

Victims of crime may be eligible for compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). For further help applying please contact the CICA customer service centre on 0300 003 3601.

Restorative justice

Victims may be able to undertake restorative justice and have a say in the reduction of the offence against them. Restorative justice is the process of bringing together the victim with the person who has offended against them. Visit the Restorative Justice website for further information.

Interpretation

We are under a duty to ensure that victims can understand their rights within the criminal justice system and in any case which the NCA investigates. As such, when reporting a crime or giving evidence if a victim doesn't understand English they are entitled to ask for interpretation into a language they understand.

Report a crime

In an emergency always call 999.

To report non-urgent crime please call your local police on 101. You can also report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Victims’ Code