Victims' Guide - What support is available to help you

You can find out more on the Ministry of Justice’s Victim and Witness Information website.

If you need emergency help at any point please dial 999.

Being a victim of a crime can be a difficult experience for anyone. You can access counselling and other psychological therapies from the NHS.

You should prioritise your wellbeing and there is no need to delay therapy or counselling for any reason connected with a criminal investigation or prosecution. If you feel it would help it’s important to access it as early as possible.

The Witness Service, which is run by Citizens Advice, can help you to understand what to expect at court by offering you pre-trial support and a visit to the court in advance of the day.  This means they will show you around a court and explain what will happen on the day.

They will also be there to support you on the day of trial and can come with you into the courtroom if you’d find that helpful. The police can refer you to the Witness Service or you can request support from them yourself by filling in their short form.

In London, pre-trial support is provided by Victim Support.

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme is a government funded scheme designed to compensate victims of violent crime.

You may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered an injury or a loss as a result of a crime. The scheme is designed to be one of last resort for victims who have no other way to access compensation.

You can find out more about the scheme and the time limits for applying in the criminal injuries compensation guide. 

If your case goes to trial, there is support available to help you give your evidence. You can read more about this support in the section Support to give your evidence.