Victims of Crime

Every year students become victims of violent crime. StudentLaw explains what can be done to get compensation and how they can help.

It has almost become accepted as the norm that if you’re a student then at some time or another you’ll be a victim of crime. A recent survey showed that around one in three students fall victim to crime each year. It’s more or less part of the University education.

If you’re aged between 16 to 24 then you’re three times more likely to be a victim of burglary than people in other age groups. The reasons why are fairly obvious. You come to University with all your worldly possessions and live in multi-occupancy houses which are poorly secured because the landlord has failed to secure the property or you and your housemates are pretty lax in closing windows and locking doors . One burglar can gain entry to one house and walk away with five lap tops, five stereos, five TV’s etc. The solution is simple. Make sure the property is secured and make sure that you’re properly insured. If you can’t afford a policy then check to see if you’re parent’s home insurance will cover you. It might be a few extra quid but it’s either that or leave your stuff at home next term.

More problematic for students and less easily solved is the issue of violent crime. You’re going to out at clubs and bars and you’re going to be walking around town late at night and that means that you’re going to be putting yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. You’re also a student and like it or not some people just don’t like students. The fact that you’re eminently punchable to a minority of the population shouldn’t put you off going out and having fun but it does mean you should take care. Avoid walking home via unlit back streets, try sticking together in a group, go to events which are organised specifically for students. Its common sense but it is easier said then done and sometimes no matter what you do bad things will happen.

 If you are a victim of an assault then your University should be properly geared up to help you and to offer support and advice and assist you in your dealings with the Police. However one area which they often fail to cover and where StudentLaw can help is recovering compensation for any injury you suffer.