Victim Personal Statements

What are they?

Victim Personal Statements are optional. This statement gives the victim an opportunity to say how they have been affected by the crime, for example, physically, emotionally or financially. They may wish to talk about their fear of intimidation, concerns about bail and whether they would like help from a support agency. Victim Personal Statements add to the information the victim has already given in their statement to the police.

Who can make a victim personal statement?

Anyone who has made a witness statement to the police can make a Victim Personal Statement. Children or vulnerable adults can give permission for their parent or carer to make this statement for them.

What happens once a Victim Personal Statements has been taken?

Taken by the police, Victim Personal Statements become part of the case papers and are seen by the police, CPS, defence and the magistrates and judges at the courts.

What does the CPS do with the Victim Personal Statement?

We take into account what the victim says when we are making our decisions on the case and ensure that, where appropriate, the court is also aware of the contents of this statement so that this can be taken into account, for example, in sentencing.

Further information

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