Victims' rights

We believe that all victims of crime have five basic rights:

to receive respect, recognition and support
to receive information and an explanation about the progress of their case. Victims should also have the chance to explain the financial, physical and emotional effects of the crime and this information should be considered whenever decisions are made about their case
to be protected in any way necessary
to receive compensation
to be free of the burden of decisions relating to the offender. In other words, we believe that the state is responsible for dealing with the offender. It should not be the victim's responsibility.

In 2003/4, victims' rights were introduced into legislation through the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Bill.

You can get more details of the rights of victims and witnesses via Liberty's Your rights website, which was produced in association with Victim Support.

Victims' rights

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