Use this process map to help you understand what will happen when reporting to police. 

Making the decision whether or not to report

Different ways you can report the assault to the police

If someone else reported to the police then they will take a detailed account from them

Your first interview so the police can assign your case to the appropriate officer.

Your case is assigned to a dedicated officer who will be your single point of contact

You will be referred for a health check to make sure you are okay and any evidence is collected.

You will be interviewed by the dedicated officer where your statement will be taken

You should be referred to victim support organisations who can support you with your emotional and practical needs.

You can decide at any time to leave the process

Reporting to the police

Use this process map to help you understand what will happen when getting a medical examination. 

Accessing a medical examination to gather evidence

You will be examined by a doctor to see if you're okay and collect forensic evidence

What happens to the evidence once it’s collected?

If there are reasons medical examination cannot happen quickly, the police can use an early evidence kit.

Seeking treatment from a GP or at the hospital

Medical examination

Use this process map to help you understand what will happen during a police investigation. 

Police will collect and preserve evidence

You may be called back for further interviews

Identifying a suspect as your abuser

Having your abuser(s) arrested before they are charged

The police will interview your abuser(s)

Interviews with third parties are conducted to find witnesses and evidence

The police investigation ends

Your rights under "Right to Review"

You can decide at any time to leave the process.

Police investigation

Use this process map to help you understand what will happen when making the decision to prosecute. 

Your case will be reviewed by The Crown Prosecution Service

The evidence is reviewed by The CPS

Your case is assigned to a Crown Prosecutor once reviewed

Alternatives to charging your abuser(s)

Additional interviews with the CPS

The CPS informs you of their decision

If your abuser(s) is charged

If your abuser(s) is not charged

You could be charged for a 'false report'

You can review CPS’s decision under Victim's Right to Review (VRR)

You request a review of Police decisions through the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IOPC)

Organisations that can accompany during the appeal process

Moving forward with a private prosecution if the CPS decides not to charge

Decision to prosecute

Use this process map to help you understand what will happen during the court proceedings for pre-trial. 

Which court should the defendant be tried in?

Witness Safety/Anonymity

Bail

Preparing for court

Perpetrator enters a plea

Additional court proceedings before the trial

Court date is set 

Withdrawing a complaint

Police refer to witness service for support

Giving evidence

Disclosure

Witness summons

Pre-trial therapy

The Witness Care Unit

Witness support

Publicity of trials or court proceedings

The first hearing/appearance

Court proceedings for pre-trial

Use this process map to help you understand what will happen during the court proceedings for trial. 

The case goes to trial

Preliminary matters and swearing in the jury

Opening speeches are given by prosecution and defence

Prosecution presents their evidence

Submission of no case to answer

Crown Court - defence case summary

Defence presents evidence

Closing speeches

The jury/magistrates retire to reflect

Returning a verdict and sentencing

The defendant's right to appeal against conviction

When English is not the first language

Before giving the evidence during the trial

The burden and standard of proof

Special measures for when you give evidence

Cross-examination

Questions about your sexual history

Examination-in-Chief

Re-examination

Questions from others

Protecting your evidence

When you have given evidence

Expecting the verdict after the trial

Defendant's right to appeal against a conviction/sentence

Court proceedings for trial

Use this process map to help you understand what will happen during the verdict and sentencing. 

Abuser(s) are found guilty

Abuser(s) are found not guilty

If found guilty, custodial sentence is given by the judge

If convicted, their name(s) will be added to the Sexual Offenders Register

Verdict and sentencing

Use this process map to help you understand what will happen during post-trial. 

Post-trial support & compensation

Staying informed about your abuser(s)' whereabouts after trial

Protection from your abuser(s) and their family/friends

Appealing the conviction

What is restorative justice?

Family reunification after conviction

Post-trial

Use these process maps to understand what will happen when reporting to the police, during the medical exam, and when pursuing legal justice. 

Process maps for legal justice

This content refreshes our knowledge of our rights as survivors to justice, gives us an idea of what to expect from legal justice and helps us to consider what the right option is for us.

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Accessing justice through the law

Process maps for legal justice

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