Child Victim information

Rights for victims of crime under the age of 18 are different to those for adults. Information and resources contained within this page will help to explain the rights of children and young people.

The Victims' Code provides that criminal justice agencies have responsibilities towards victims of crime.

Upon reporting a crime we will conduct a needs assessment. By assessing your needs we will consider enhanced support if you are - a victim of serious crime, persistently targeted, vulnerable or intimidated.

Children under the age of 18 are classed as vulnerable.

Enhanced rights are services which are offered to victims who are more likely to require extra support and services through the criminal justice process due to the nature of the crime they are victim of or because of their particular vulnerability as a victim.

Vulnerable victims must be informed within 1 working day if a suspect has been arrested or a warrant has been issued due to the suspect's failure to attend at court.

Once the police pass your details to Nottinghamshire Care, they will contact you by telephone, or if this is not possible, by letter, inviting you to get in touch if you require support. They will speak to you about the service they offer and what they can do to assist you. Their service is free and confidential and can offer you practical support such as help with making insurance and criminal injuries claims and also emotional support where their highly trained volunteers will meet with you face to face or call you on the telephone if you prefer to talk to you about the effects of the crime.

Children, young people and adults may find additional support and information on the:

• Childline website or by giving them a call on 0800 11 11
• National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) website
• Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) website
• Imara - Support after trauma website