Victim Information Pack

The Victim Information Pack (VIP) is a helpful guide given to all victims of crime in Cheshire. It’s been developed with support from the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner to make sure victims understand what happens next, what support they get and what their rights are.

What’s in the pack

The pack gives easy-to-understand information about:

• What happens after reporting a crime. It explains what typically happens once someone reports a crime. From recording details, through investigations to court processes.
• Your rights. It includes information on victims’ rights under the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime and the version for under-18s. The pack helps victims know what support and information they should receive.
• Victim Personal Statement. There’s a Victim Personal Statement (VPS) form inside, so victims can explain their own words how the crime affected them – and they can update this later if they want to.
• Going to court. The pack explains what to expect if the case goes to court and the special measures that may be available to help you give evidence.
• Alternatives to court. It also explains alternatives to going to court for some cases. These are known as out of court resolutions, and the pack explains what this means for victims.
• Support for specific needs. There’s specialist information and signposting people affected by:
  • Domestic abuse
  • Honour-based violence
  • Child sexual exploitation
  • Rape and sexual abuse
  • Hate crime
    This part helps find appropriate local support services or charities.

Why it’s useful

The Victim Information Pack (VIP) is designed to help victims feel more informed and supported. It brings together important advice, rights information, practical tops and support contacts in one place. So someone who has been affected by crime can understand what’s likely to happen and how to get help.

Whether you’ve already reported the crime or are thinking about it, the pack is a useful tool to help guide you through the process and finds support that meets your needs.