Anyone can be a victim of crime

If you have been affected by crime in Scotland or you know someone who has, this website can help you. This website gives information about the criminal justice system as well as how to get help and advice.

This section gives you information about voluntary organisations that can give you help, support and advice. It also explains the role of public sector agencies, such as the police. The standards of service you should expect to receive from the organisations you may come across in the criminal justice system are also explained. Specialised advice may also be found here for victims of particular crimes.

• Voluntary organisations that may be able to help
• Other sources of advice
• Specialised advice for victims of particular crimes
• Standards of service you should expect to receive

This part explains why you should consider reporting a crime and the process of doing so. It also explains how the crime will be investigated. If you choose not to report a crime, this section explains that support is still available for you.

• The importance of reporting a crime
• How to report a crime
• What happens if you do not report a crime
• What happens after a crime is reported
• What happens after you have been interviewed
• What happens if you are harassed

The criminal justice process can seem to be very complicated. This section is broken down into different parts that explain what may happen to you. A diagram is included to help to illustrate this.

• A step-by-step guide to the Justice Process
• What happens if a suspect is arrested
• What happens in the prosecution process
• What happens during the court stage
• What happens after a verdict is reached
• The Youth Justice Process
• Victims Policy