Support for victims
The CPS is committed to taking steps to help victims and witnesses through the often-difficult experience of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
Domestic Abuse
Rape and Sexual Assault
Stalking or Harassment
Honour-based abuse
Forced Marriage
Female Genital Mutilation
Special Measures - Support to give your evidence
As a victim or witness in a court case, you might be asked to come to court and talk about what happened. This is known as ‘giving evidence’.
This can feel daunting but there are things we can ask for to help you when you give your evidence – these are called ‘special measures’.
Special measures help you to feel more comfortable by changing how, when and where you give your evidence. This is so you can tell the court what happened in the best way you can. We call that giving your best evidence.
Special measures are not available to everybody, and there’s a formal process for asking for them. The CPS’s online Victims Guide has more information on special measures including four short videos to explain what special measures are, who can ask for them, and how asking for them works.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisers
Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) are specially trained people who support victims of rape and sexual violence, including child sexual abuse. ISVAs focus entirely on helping you - they work as your advocate to help you access the support and services you need.
You can speak to an ISVA even if you don't want to report a crime. They can talk you through your options, answer your questions, and provide practical and emotional support.
What ISVAs Can Help With
ISVAs can help you understand how to report what happened to the police, find counselling services and other support available to you, and guide you through the court process if you decide to pursue your case.
How to Access an ISVA
If you would like to speak to an ISVA or find out more about the support they offer, you can contact The Survivors Trust or Rape Crisis. You can also ask the police to refer you to an ISVA service.
Schools and community centres sometimes have information about ISVAs and can help you get in touch with one.
Remember, ISVAs are there to help you feel safe and supported throughout your experience.
Victim Personal Statement
A Victim Personal statement is a statement that you can give to the police if you have been a victim of crime. It is your way of telling the criminal justice system about the crime you have suffered and the impact it has had on you.
Interpreters
When an interpreter is needed, the CPS will choose one carefully. They will fully understand the victim's language or dialect and be familiar with their culture. This helps to protect the victim's privacy. It also prevents the victim's story being shared with the person who hurt them or others in their community. Prosecutors will also make sure the victim feels comfortable with the interpreter chosen. This reduces the risk of the victim feeling intimidated or distressed.
When considering a restraining order, our prosecutors will work with the police to gather the right information and will listen carefully to what victim tell us about their situation. This helps to make sure that any order put in place is appropriate and practical to enforce. Safety is our priority, and we will always take steps to make sure that protective measures meet the needs.
Restraining Orders
A restraining order is a legal order made by a criminal the court to stop someone from harassing contacting a victim or their family you or coming near you. It can include specific conditions to help keep victims safe including stopping people from contacting victims or from approaching their address or workplace. your circumstances.
Restraining orders can be applied for whether or not the defendant is convicted. This means that protection can still be put in place even if the court finds the defendant not guilty.