What to expect after the trial
Visit the Victims’ Information Service website to find out what happens after a trial, including what happens if the offender appeals, if new information is found, or if the offender tries to make unwanted contact with you.
The victim contact scheme
The Victim Contact Scheme is run by the National Probation Service. Joining the scheme will make sure you are kept informed about important developments relating to the offender, such as if they move to an open prison or when they will be released.
You can join the Victim Contact Scheme (VCS) if you’re the victim of a violent or sexual crime and the offender is sentenced to 12 months or more.
Joining the VCS means you’ll be:
- told about the offender’s prison sentence and release
- assigned a Victim Liaison Officer
- told when an offender is up for parole and how to make a statement at the parole hearing
You’ll be given the option of joining the scheme when you report the crime.
Regardless of what happened during the trial, or what the outcome was, you are still entitled to help and support.
HM
Prison and Probation
The HM Prison and Probation (HMPPS) makes sure people serve the sentences and orders handed out by courts, both in prisons and in the community.
They are responsible for:
- the running of prison and probation services
- the rehabilitation services for prisoners leaving prison
- making sure support is available to stop people offending again
- contract managing private sector prisons and services such as the Prisoner Escort Service and electronic tagging
Contact the HM Prison and Probation (HMPPS) Victim Helpline if you get unwanted letters, phone calls, texts or messages from a prisoner.
You can also contact the helpline if you’re worried about someone being released from prison.
HMPPS Victim Helpline
- victim.helpline@noms.gsi.gov.uk
- Telephone: 0300 060 6699
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm
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