If you don't report a crime
By telling the police what you know you can help solve or stop a crime.
However, you don't need to report a crime to get help from support organisations.
If you choose not to report a crime – or you haven't decided yet – you might find it helpful to talk to someone about your options, what happened to you and how you feel about it.
Victim Support Scotland
Victim Support Scotland gives free and confidential support to victims, witnesses and others affected by crime, including:
- emotional support
- practical help, like assisting with home and personal security
- liaison with other organisations on behalf of victims and witnesses
Victim Support Scotland
Phone: 0345 603 9213 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm)
Find out about call charges
There are also organisations that give you specialist advice and support depending on the type of crime you've been affected by.
Domestic abuse
There are organisations that offer emotional and practical support if you don't want to contact the police about domestic abuse, or you haven't decided yet. You don't have to leave your home to get support.
Support if you're affected by domestic abuse
Stalking
If you're a victim of stalking, this can cause great anxiety and distress. There are a number of organisations you can contact for practical advice and support.
Support if you're affected by stalking
Human trafficking
Human trafficking is when someone is brought to (or moved around) a country by people who threaten, frighten, hurt and force them to do work or other things they don't want to do.
Support if you're affected by human trafficking
Rape or sexual assault
No-one can make you report an assault if you don't want to. There are organisations that can help if you don't want to contact the police.
Support if you're affected by rape or sexual assault
Crime abroad
In most countries, you must report the crime before you leave the country if you want it to be investigated. You might need to report the crime to make a claim on your travel insurance.
Support if you're affected by crime abroad
If you're under 18
If you've been a victim or witness of crime, you might feel worried, angry, or alone. Everyone is affected by crime in their own way, and different crimes can affect people differently too.
You can get support to cope, whether you decide to tell the police what happened or not.
If you're under 18 and a crime happens
Online crime
Get help and support if you're a victim of online crime (like cyberbullying, fraud or stalking) or need to know more about how you can protect yourself.
Support for victims of online crime
Hate crime
You can get support if a crime is committed against you because of your disability, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs.
Support for victims of hate crime
Childhood abuse
If you were abused as a child, it's important to know that what happened to you was not your fault. You can get support whether or not the abuse was reported to the police, even if it was a long time ago.
Support for victims of childhood abuse
Revenge porn
You can tell the police if someone shares an intimate image of you without your consent. This is sometimes called 'revenge porn' or 'the non-consensual sharing of intimate images'.
If you're unsure about talking to the police, there are lots of people you can trust who can help you work out what to do.
Support for victims of revenge porn
Forced marriage
Forced marriage is when you face physical, emotional or psychological pressure to marry. It is against the law to force someone into a marriage or civil partnership, and help is available from the police.
However, civil protection through a Forced Marriage Protection Order is also an option. Support organisations can give you help and confidential advice if you want to talk about what to do next.