Coming Forward

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 as a result of a crime but there are many support agencies out there to help you through this difficult process.

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.

Your Concerns:

- Being afraid of giving evidence in court:
If the suspect is caught and pleads guilty, the case may not even go to trial so you would not have to give evidence in this case. Similarly if it goes to trial and the prosecution has a strong case, the suspect's solicitor may advise them to plead guilty and so you would not have to give evidence.

If you do have to give evidence, two dedicated Witness Services, independent from the police and the courts: the Witness Service, which is run by Victim Support or, if you are under 18 years old, the NSPCC Young Witness Service, will be there to help and support you before and during your time at court. If you have concerns about giving evidence you may also want to look at the 'Going to Court' section.

- The police will not be interested in the crime:
It is very important to report all crimes because if the police do not know where crimes are happening, they cannot take any action to prevent further incidents or catch the person responsible. In some cases there may be little or no evidence available and the police will be unable to investigate the matter further. You should try not to let this discourage you from reporting the matter.

- The crime is too trivial to report:
Different people deal with different experiences in a variety of ways and therefore no crime committed against any person is too trivial to report. Although it may appear to be a minor crime, it can still be very upsetting. The police understand this and will take you and your case seriously.

- It is too difficult and embarrassing to explain what happened:
You may find it difficult or embarrassing to report the crime but the police will be sensitive to your situation and will treat you with consideration. They will not judge you whatever your gender, sexual orientation, religion or race.

- Witness intimidation:
It is a criminal offence to intimidate a witness or anyone helping the police in an investigation. If you are harassed or threatened in any way before, during or after court proceedings, you should tell the police immediately. The police can offer a variety of measures to ensure your safety and they will take every step to ensure that no harm comes to you or your family throughout the process.

Providing support to Victims

Whether or not you have chosen to report the crime Victim Support NI, an independent national charity, can help you to cope with the effects of the crime. Victim Support volunteers are specially trained to help you through the experience and provide you with emotional and practical help and information. A volunteer can visit you in your home, if you wish, or you can drop into your local Victim Support office. Victim Support can also provide you with FREE help and support in applying for criminal injuries compensation from the Compensation Agency and can also assist you through any subsequent review and appeal process involved. Victim Support also runs a Witness Service which provides support for victims and prosecution adult witnesses, and their family and friends, called to give evidence in criminal trials. Contact details for Victim Support offices and a range of other support services for victims are also provided in the Contacts Section of this walkthrough.