Direct Communication with Victims

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Direct Communication with Victims programme commits our lawyers to write to victims to explain the reasons behind a decision to discontinue or substantially alter their case.

In cases where there is an identifiable victim and the case is discontinued or substantially altered the prosecutor in the case will write to the victim within five days.

In cases where the victim is identified as vulnerable or intimidated the letter will be written within one day.

All prosecutors receive training on preparing informative and sensitive letters that fully explain why a particular case has been discontinued or changed.

In more serious and sensitive offences we invite the victim, and in some cases their family, to attend an informal meeting at the CPS where we explain face to face why a decision has been made and try and answer any questions they may have.

If the victim is deceased this explanation will be given to their relatives or next of kin.

CPS London prosecutors are well aware that the decisions they take affect people and we place a high priority on communicating with victims effectively.