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Practical and emotional
support for victims of crime


 Victim Support
No one expects or plans to be a victim of crime, yet crime can happen to anyone. Whether a housebreaking, an assault, a theft or harassment, it can leave you feeling angry, worried and alone. There can also be practical problems: replacing vital documents, securing your home, sorting out insurance and dealing with the authorities. Other people's reactions can be difficult to handle and it's sometimes hard to find someone to talk to openly about your feelings. Crime which happened at work can bring added problems. Victim Support's trained volunteers understand the practical and emotional difficulties caused by crime and provide free, confidential and independent help through a choice of contact - telephone support, home visit or office appointment - whichever suits best. Victim Support can provide:

  • time to talk
  • help with insurance and compensation claims
  • personal safety and crime prevention advice
  • support if your case goes to court
  • information about other agencies
  • help with criminal justice procedures

And remember, you don't have to have reported the crime to get help from Victim Support.

 Dealing with the Criminal Justice System
If you have reported a crime, you're likely to need information about the criminal justice process and what is happening to your case. This webpage tells you about the main agencies who can give you information. Remember, Victim Support can give you further help if you get in touch.

 The Police
When a crime is reported to the police, you have the right to know the name, number and station of the officer dealing with your case.

The police should also tell you:

  • if someone has been arrested
  • any charges relating to what has happened to you
  • whether stolen property has been returned

You should let the police know if you change your address or telephone number and tell them if you are worried about your safety so they can give you advice. The police will automatically pass your details on to Victim Support unless you specifically state otherwise.

Free, independent,
confidential help and support


 The Procurator Fiscal
When a suspect is charged, the police will report the matter to the Procurator Fiscal, who is the public official responsible for the investigation of crimes. He or she will decide whether there should be a prosecution and will take account of the victim's interests but must also have regard to the wider consideration of what is in the public interest.

If charges are brought the Fiscal can give you information about:

  • whether or not the case is going to court
  • prosecution and defence precognition interviews when you will be asked about the crime
  • court appearances
  • delays or adjournments
  • whether the accused has been granted bail and any conditions
 Going to Court
If you are citied as a witness, you may need to know about what is expected of you in court. It comes as a surprise to many people that victims are not legally represented in court, but help and support is available from Victim Support. We can tell you about court procedures and arrange for support when you are called to go to court.

We can provide information about:

  • court personnel, procedures and facilities
  • what help is available on the day
  • compensation orders
  • expenses for travel, childcare and loss of earnings
 After the Trial
Once the trial is over you may want to know about the outcome. The Clerk of the court can tell you about this. You'll find your local Procurator Fiscal and Sheriff Clerk's numbers in your telephone directory.

 Criminal Injuries Compensation
If you are the victim of a violent crime, you can apply to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority for compensation. Victim Support can help you with this application, which is a free service.

CICA, Tay House,
300 Bath Street,
Glasgow G2 4UR
Tel. 0141 331 2726

 Reporting a Crime: A Guide for Victims and Witnesses
This government leaflet about the criminal justice system is available from the police or Victim Support.

Call us 01294 277040


working for victims of crime


 Getting in Touch
Victim Support Scotland's local call rate number is 0845 603 9213 Monday-Friday 9-4.30pm or you can phone Victim Support North Ayrshire on 01294 277040.

If you need to talk to Victim Support outwith these hours and at weekends, you can call the UK Victim Support line on 0845 30 30 900 Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, weekends 9am-7pm.

 Information
You can get free information leaflets from Victim Support about:

Available from:

Victim Support North Ayrshire
Cooper's Close
158a High Street
Irvine KA12 8AN

Telephone 01294 277040
Fax 01294 277040

 Victim Support Scotland
15/23 Hardwell Close
Edinburgh EH8 9RX

Telephone 0131 668 4486
Fax 0131 662 5400

E-mail:
victimsupport@northayrshire.freeserve.co.uk

Website:
www.victimsupportnayrs.com

 E-mail:
Info@victimsupportsco.demon.co.uk

Website:
www.victimsupportsco.demon.co.uk


 Tell us what you think...
Victim Support has a Code of Practice and is committed to providing a high quality of service. We welcome feedback from service users.

Victim Support can arrange a translation service if you are not an English speaker.

Call us 01294 277040


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