Victim of crime
If you have become a victim of crime, you may wonder what action you should or can take. Feelings and emotions ranging from anger to helplessness or fear and worry may also add confusion to the matter.
The criminal justice agencies, including the Police Service, have provided a step-by-step guide on the Criminal Justice System (NI) website
. This guide outlines the various stages in the process from when a crime is reported, right through to the police investigation, prosecution, decision-making, court processes, sentencing and beyond.
It also offers information on personal support that is available to victims at all stages before, during and after any court case. Simply log onto www.cjsni.gov.uk
If you report a crime to police you will normally receive a follow up letter providing information on the name and contact details of the police officer dealing with your incident and a crime reference number, which you can use to obtain further information from the relevant Crime Management Unit.
The Police Service has dedicated officers to deal with incidents such as domestic violence, hate crime, child abuse and sexual offences.
The Police Service will normally refer a victim of crime to Victim Support, unless the victim declines this referral.
Victim Support Northern Ireland is an independent charity that provides free, confidential support and practical help for victims of any type of crime. The crime does not have to be reported to access support.
Victims can benefit from talking to professionally trained volunteers in confidence, seek help in making compensation claims or obtain support in representation at appeals and in the process of court familiarisation.
You can phone Victim Support Northern Ireland on 028 9024 4039 or visit the Victim Support Northern Ireland website
