Crime Witness
Reporting Crime
In an emergency you should always ring 999.
If you would like to give information on crime anonymously you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or you can visit the website at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Going to Court
If you are called to be a witness at court you will be sent a copy of the leaflet ' Witness in Court' which will explain what will happen.
You can read extracts of this leaflet at www.police999.com
For information on all aspects of court business visit the website www.courtservice.gov.uk
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Compensation
Claiming compensation
If you are wanting to claim compensation for property that has been damaged or stolen you should keep a record of the costs of repairing or replacing your property. Also keep any receipts, estimates or any other documents relating to your property.
If you have been injured and are wanting to claim compensation you should keep a record of any extra expenses that you have incurred, for example medical expenses or loss of earnings. Also you will need to keep a note of any income that you have received as a result of the offence for example social security benefits.
Compensation from the offender
If the offender is convicted in a criminal court then the court may order the offender to pay you compensation for any injury, loss or damage which you may have suffered because of the offence. You cannot apply for this compensation yourself. It is important that you tell the police that you would like to receive compensation. They will then give you a form on which you should record accurate details of your losses.
Whether or not the offender is convicted in the criminal courts, you can sue the offender for damages in a civil court. You can find out more about this from your local Citizen's Advice Bureau or your solicitor.
Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
If you have been injured as a result of a violent crime, you may be entitled to a payment under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. It does not matter whether the offender has been caught.
For more information, visit the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority website.
You do not need legal advice or representation to apply for compensation but if you feel you need assistance you can obtain advice from the Citizen's Advice Bureau or Victim Support.
There is a leaflet available that explains more about this scheme. The leaflet "Victims of Crimes of Violence, a guide to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme" is available from police, Victim Support or from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority, Tay House, 300 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JR
Alternatively you can download a PDF version of the leaflet at the Criminal Justice System website.
Victims of Uninsured and Untraced drivers
If you suffer injury, loss or damage to property as a result of a road traffic incident involving a motor vehicle and the driver is not insured, compensation for personal injury and damage to property may be available from the Motor Insurers' Bureau.
To claim you need to contact the Motor Insurers' Bureau, 152 Silbury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 1NG. Telephone 01908 830001
You can find further advice in the leaflet 'Victims of Uninsured and Untraced Drivers' which is available from Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, Road Safety Division, Zone 2/14, Great Minster House, 76 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DR
Please Note: You cannot get compensation for the same thing from public funds twice. Therefore, if you succeed in getting compensation from a criminal court, the Criminal Injuries Board and/or the Motor Insurers' Bureau then the award may be reduced to avoid double payment.
Crime Prevention
Domestic violence
Domestic violence can take many forms, it can be physical, emotional, sexual or mental abuse. These acts take place within a relationship with a known person, usually a partner or an ex partner. Over 90% of reported cases of domestic violence are by men against women. However, women can also be guilty of violence against a partner and domestic violence can also occur within same sex relationships.
Domestic violence and the law
In October 1997, Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996 came into force changing the civil laws dealing with domestic violence. The Department of Constitutional Affairs offers the details of this in "Domesitc Violence - A guide to civil remedies and criminal sanctions"
Where to get help
A number of different associations offer help to the victims of domestic violence, a selection of which can be found in the pages of AdviceHQ
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