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If you're a victim

If you are a victim of crime you may have doubts about reporting the incident. It is very common to feel shocked, sad, distressed, angry or confused, but there are many support agencies available to help you through this difficult process.

Concerns

You may have some concerns about reporting the crime. Please be assured that the police will be sensitive to your concerns. Some of the most common concerns are addressed below.

How to report a crime

There are a number of ways of reporting a crime:

  • in an emergency dial 999
  • if you want to remain anonymous, dial the Crimestoppers helpline - 0800 555 111
  • for non-urgent matters, drop in to your local police station or call the police on 0845 600 8000 - operators will pass your call on to your local police station
  • via the PSNI website (for minor and hate-related incidents only)
  • third party reporting - if you really do not wish to report the crime yourself, then someone else can report it for you

The police take crime seriously and you can expect to be treated with sensitivity and respect by them. If you are the victim of a crime, the police work hard to ensure that you are kept informed about what is happening with the investigation into the case. They will let you know about the support services that are available to you.

What the police will do

If you have been the victim of a crime, the police will normally ask you to make a statement. To do this the officer will ask you a number of questions in order to establish exactly what happened.

Sometimes, depending on the type of crime, it can take quite a long time to gather all the information that is needed. A statement is a written or video-recorded account of what happened and may be used as evidence in court.

If the offence has just happened, officers may ask you to tour the nearby area with them to help identify the offender, or they may ask you to look at photographs or CCTV images to try to pick out the offender.

If you have difficulty understanding English, or if you are deaf or have a hearing impairment, an interpreter will be provided to assist you.

Giving a written statement

The police realise that talking about what has happened to you can be a difficult experience and if the interview is distressing, you can ask for a break at any time. Once the interview is finished, the police officer will compile a written statement from what has been said and you will be asked to read through it to check it is correct. Alternatively you can ask the police officer to read your statement to you if you would prefer.

You will be asked to sign the statement to say that it is an accurate account of what you think happened. If something is not correct, you must inform the officer so that it can be corrected. It is very important that you do this even if you feel awkward about doing it as it could affect the investigation.

Sometimes the police may need to speak to you more than once, for example, if they need to check information.

Giving a video recorded statement

In many cases where the officer believes you will be eligible for 'special measures' at court, you may have to make a video recorded interview instead of a written statement. If a person under the age of 17 gives a statement and it is likely to go to court, they will almost always be video interviewed.

The police officer who is carrying out the interview will explain how this will be done before he/she begins the interview. If a young person is required to make a video recorded interview, then an 'appropriate adult' will have to accompany the young person during interview.

The officer will not discuss the evidence that you are going to give before the interview is recorded. This is to ensure that you give the most accurate description of what you saw or know, so the video contains the best evidence possible.

Dealing with distress

After being involved in an incident it's normal to feel more jumpy or on guard. It's important to remember that it's not your fault if something has happened to you and it's nothing to be ashamed of.

Some people will not want or need to talk to anyone outside their family and friends, but for others it may be essential. Help is available.

Victim Support Northern Ireland can help you cope with any part of dealing with the police, the legal professions or making a claim for compensation. When you contact them, a trained volunteer will help you work out the type of support you need and make sure you receive that help for as long as you need it.

Contact Victim Support if you:

  • want to talk in confidence to someone who understands
  • need information
  • need practical help
  • want to make a claim for criminal injuries compensation
  • are going to court as a witness

Victim Support Northern Ireland can also signpost you to other agencies and services.

You can contact your local Victim Support Office on 028 9024 4039 or 0845 3030 900. The office is open between 9am and 5pm weekdays.

Compensation

You may be entitled to claim compensation if you've been a victim of a violent crime or if your belongings have been stolen or damaged. For example, if you work you may have to take time off to give a statement at a police station or replace your bike if it's been stolen. You should keep any receipts and include them with your claim.

Applications must be made within two years of the incident, although this time limit may be waived in certain circumstances.

You can obtain more details, along with an application form and details of the documents you need, by contacting the Compensation Agency on 028 9024 9944 or you can write to:

Compensation Agency
Millennium House
6th floor
25 Great Victoria Street
Belfast
BT2 7AQ

Help with your application

Your local Victim Support office can offer you help and information on making an application and can help you complete the application form without you incurring legal costs. Victim Support can also act as your representative throughout the claims process to assist with a review application, an appeal application and to provide representation at the appeal hearing.

You can contact your Local Victim Support office on 028 9024 4039 or 0845 3030 900. The office is open between 9am and 5pm weekdays.

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