A victim personal statement adds to the information you have already given us or police in your statement about the crime. It gives you the chance to tell us about support you need and how the crime has affected you physically, emotionally or financially.
At the time of filling in your witness statement you will be asked if you want to fill in a victim personal statement.
Do I have to make a victim personal statement?
You should only make a victim personal statement if you want to. If you do not want to make a personal statement straight away, you can make one later on.
We will follow up your case whether or not you choose to make a victim personal statement. It will not change the way we inform or support you.
What happens to my statement?
If you make a victim personal statement, it will become part of the case papers. This means it will be seen by everybody involved with your case (for example, the police, the SFO, the defence, and the judge at the court). The courts may use the information in your statement when deciding if a defendant should be given bail.
What sort of information can I give?
You should use the victim personal statement to give us any information you did not include in the witness statement.
You may want to tell us:
- if you want to be told about the progress of your case;
- if you would like extra support (particularly if you are appearing as a witness at a trial);
- if you feel vulnerable or intimidated;
- if you are worried about the offender being given bail (for example, if the offender knows who you are);
- how the crime has affected you if you feel racial hostility was part of the crime;
- how the crime has affected you if you feel that you were victimised because of your faith, cultural background or disability;
- if you feel you should be compensated by the offender for any injury, loss or damage you have suffered;
- if the crime has caused, or made worse, any medical or social problems (such as marital problems);
- anything else you think might be helpful or relevant.
Once you have made a statement, you can't withdraw it or change it. However, you can make another statement that clarifies or changes something from an earlier statement. For further information please read our:
