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Women's Safety Initiative
The Justice System

Clear, accessible guidance for victims and survivors navigating the justice system

She Voice Initiative by Kulturalism

CRIME, POLICE & CHARGE

01

Reporting a crime

How to report a crime

→999 (emergency)

→101 (non-emergency)

→Online reporting

What you can expect immediately

A log number
A brief initial statement
Risk assessment (for certain crimes)
Safeguarding questions if relevant

Useful links and resources

→ Safer Streets page

→ Kulturalism Community Safety (Watchdog)

She Voice

02

Police Investigation and Your Rights

The investigation Process

→ Taking your full statement - You can have someone with you when you give your statement

→ Collection of evidence

→ Witness enquiries

→ Suspect interview

→ Case review

Your rights under the Victims’ Code

To be kept informed
To receive updates at key stages
To request special measures
To make a Victim Personal Statement
To be referred for support

She Voice

03

Charging Decisions

What Happens Next in Your Case -Possible outcomes

→ No further action (NFA)

→ Out-of-court disposal

→ Charge

→ Bail conditions

Released Under Investigation (RUI) – police should update you regularly (aiming for every 28 days in many forces), and you can request more info anytime.

Further investigation needed

Your rights

To be told the decision
To request a victim’s right to review (VRR)
To ask questions about delays

She Voice

GOING TO COURT

04

Going to court as a victim

What victims need to know

→ FREE Going to Court as a Victim handbook

What victims need to know

How cases move from charging → court
Where you will sit
Special measures
Waiting areas
Giving evidence
Cross-examination
Sentencing

Additional resources

→ Women’s Safety Report

→ Make Some Noise

→ SHE Voice Women's Safety

She Voice

05

After court what next

If the defendant is convicted

→ Prison

→ Community sentence

→ Probation supervision

→ Restraining orders

→ Sentencing remarks

→ Eligibility for victim contact scheme

If the defendant is acquitted

→ Your right to explanation

→ Victim support options

→ How to stay safe

If the case is discontinued

The right to review
The right to information
Emotional and practical support

Even if there is no conviction or the case is dropped, you can still get strong legal protection.

She Voice

06

Compensation

How compensation works

If you have been the victim of a violent crime, you may be entitled to financial compensation to help with the impact on your life. This is separate from any court outcome and is designed to support recovery.

What This Is
The Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) is a government scheme that provides compensation to victims of violent crime in England, Scotland and Wales. It can cover physical and psychological injuries, loss of earnings, and certain costs related to the harm you have suffered.

Apply for compensation if you were the victim of a violent crime (GOV.UK)