The Role of Victim in England Criminal Law

Trial proceedings in English legal system is adversarial and is similar to trial in civil actions; as parties present their cases and promote the action in contrast with each other. The difference is that unlike civil actions, state is represented by prosecution and the second party is an individual. So, it seems that there is no place for victim in this action, in contrast with the fact that the real harm is inflicted on her. On the other hand, if there is no action in criminal process on behalf of the victim, she nevertheless will be considered in trial phases like reporting of crime, victim impact statement and complaint. In fact, one can say that the victim is merely the starter of prosecution and is not a main actor in criminal process. Unlike the fact that her name is a part of many of the criminal proceedings steps, but her position is mainly reactive and restricted to informing, redress and restitution for harms inflicted.