Victims and Witnesses

Being a victim of a crime can be a difficult time and one which victims should not face alone. Officers and staff in Nottinghamshire Police will do all that we can to help and support victims through their experience.

Our priority is to safeguard the people of Nottinghamshire, who live, work, travel and invest in the county, ensuring people can go about their daily lives without fear of becoming a victim of crime.

Unfortunately, sometimes people do become victims and when this happens they must have their needs put first. Even though the criminal justice system is founded on the principle defendants are innocent until proven guilty, that does not mean the police and the criminal justice system should focus only on them. Victims and their families must have a voice, and we will listen to them.

Nottinghamshire Police wants to make sure victims have the right services in place, available at the right time and meeting the needs of those who require it. Nottinghamshire Police want to make sure victims are treated as individuals, and victims have access to the right contacts when requiring information.

The Code of Ethics is central to our victims’ strategy which places the victim at the centre of its delivery.

Nottinghamshire Police will treat all people, but especially victims, with dignity and respect, sensitivity and in confidence, with recognition given to their individual circumstances, regardless of who they are.

What are your Victim Rights?

The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (Victim Code) sets out 12 Victim Rights you can expect to receive, these are:

• Right 1. To be able to understand and to be understood
• Right 2. To have the details of the crime recorded without unjustified delay
• Right 3. To be provided with information when reporting the crime
• Right 4. To be referred to services that support victims and have services and support tailored to your needs
• Right 5. To be provided with information about compensation
• Right 6. To be provided with information about the investigation and prosecution
• Right 7. To make a Victim Personal Statement
• Right 8. To be given information about the trial, trial process and your role as a witness
• Right 9. To be given information about the outcome of the case and any appeals
• Right 10. To be paid expenses and have property returned
• Right 11. To be given information about the offender following a conviction
• Right 12. To make a complaint about your Rights not being met

For more information, read the Victim Code of Practice on the Gov.uk website and Nottinghamshire Police's Victim Information Pack.

The Victim Code is also available in several other languages on the Gov.uk website.