Know your rights as a victim of crime

Victims of crime in England and Wales have specific rights under the Victims' Code and the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime. This hub covers Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) awards (the 2-year deadline, eligible injuries, awards for sexual offences and child abuse), restraining orders and stalking protection orders, special measures at trial, action against poor police service via the IOPC, scam and authorised-push-payment fraud reimbursement under FCA rules, online fraud recovery, and the unduly-lenient-sentence scheme. Each guide covers timelines, the evidence to gather, and where to get free specialist support.

8 guides in this section

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CICA Compensation

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority's scheme for victims of violent crime in the UK.

Restraining Orders

How restraining orders work, when they are made, and what to do if one is breached.

Victims' Code

The rights every crime victim in England and Wales is entitled to from the police, CPS, and courts.

Action Fraud

How to report fraud and cybercrime to Action Fraud and what happens to your report.

Scam Recovery

How to recover money lost to scams through bank reimbursement, chargeback, and Section 75 claims.

Stalking Protection Orders

SPOs under the Stalking Protection Act 2019 — who can apply, criteria, 5-year minimum duration, and criminal breach.

Step-by-step guides

Follow a guided process from start to finish for common situations.

I Want to Claim Criminal Injuries Compensation

5 steps

Compare your options

CICA Compensation vs Civil Claim

Prepare with a checklist

CICA Application Checklist

All guides in this section

CICA Compensation

The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority's scheme for victims of violent crime in the UK.

Restraining Orders

How restraining orders work, when they are made, and what to do if one is breached.

Victims' Code

The rights every crime victim in England and Wales is entitled to from the police, CPS, and courts.

Action Fraud

How to report fraud and cybercrime to Action Fraud and what happens to your report.

Scam Recovery

How to recover money lost to scams through bank reimbursement, chargeback, and Section 75 claims.

Stalking Protection Orders

SPOs under the Stalking Protection Act 2019 — who can apply, criteria, 5-year minimum duration, and criminal breach.

Witness Special Measures

Screens, video link, recorded evidence, and intermediaries to help vulnerable witnesses give their best evidence.

Unduly Lenient Sentences

Request the Attorney General to refer a sentence to the Court of Appeal — the 28-day deadline and eligible offences.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to apply to CICA for compensation?
You must apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority within two years of the incident. CICA can exercise discretion to accept late applications in exceptional circumstances — for example, where the applicant was a child at the time, or where there are particular reasons why the application could not reasonably have been made earlier. The incident must have been reported to the police, and you must have cooperated with the police investigation.
What is the Victims' Code and what does it give me?
The Victims' Code is a statutory document setting out the minimum level of service that victims of crime in England and Wales should receive from criminal justice agencies including the police, Crown Prosecution Service, HM Courts and Tribunals Service, and the National Probation Service. Key entitlements include being referred to support services, being kept informed of case progress, being notified of the defendant's sentence and release, and being able to make a victim personal statement to the court.
I was scammed and transferred money — can I get it back?
It depends on how you paid. From October 2024, the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) requires banks and payment service providers to reimburse victims of authorised push payment (APP) fraud — where you were tricked into transferring money — up to £85,000 in most cases, unless the victim was grossly negligent. If you paid by credit or debit card, chargeback and Section 75 claims may also be available. Report to Action Fraud immediately and contact your bank to start a claim.
What is a restraining order and who can apply for one?
A restraining order is a civil order imposed by the criminal court (under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 or the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004) either after conviction or even acquittal of a defendant, to protect a victim from further harassment or harm. The Crown Prosecution Service typically applies for the order, but victims can make representations about what protection they need. A separate non-molestation order can also be obtained through the family court.

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Disclaimer

This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always check official sources and seek qualified help where needed.