the police to investigate the crime;
in most cases, to be contacted by Victim Support - unless you ask the police not to pass on your details;
to be told by the police if someone is charged with, or cautioned for, the offence;
to be told (if you ask to be) by the police or the Crown Prosecution Service if the charge is later dropped or downgraded;
if you are needed as a witness, to be given a 'Witness in Court' leaflet, and told the date of the trial;
if the case goes to court, consideration to be given to making a compensation order in your favour;
to be told (if you ask to be) the result of the court case; in more serious cases, to be told (if you ask to be) the result of any appeal against conviction or sentence;
to be given advice about applying for compensation for personal injury from the criminal Injuries Compensation Authority; and
to be given crime prevention advice if you ask for it.

Victim Support - 0845 30 30 900.