Victim Support
Victim Support (Working for Victims of Crime)
Anyone can become a victim of crime
People react to crime in many ways. Although most victims don’t suffer long-term harm, both adults and children can be seriously affected.
People who have suffered a crime may need practical information and advice, or simply someone to talk to.
“Since the burglary, no matter how many times I’ve cleaned the flat, it doesn’t feel the same”
“I keep thinking I see the person who attacked me walking down the street towards me”
“I am so worried about going to court and facing him again”
“We didn’t know whether we could claim any kind of insurance or compensation”
What is victim support?
Victim Support is the independent national charity, which helps people cope with crime. Trained volunteers based in local branches contact people after a crime to offer free, confidential support and information. People are referred to victim support by the police and other organisations, or just contact us themselves to ask for help.
Victim Support aims to offer a comprehensive service to all sections of the community and is committed to ensuring that all kinds of people are welcomed and involved throughout the organisation.
Victim Support also works for the rights of victims, witnesses and their families and for greater awareness of the effects crime.
Victim Support in court
Victim Support’s Witness Service helps victims, witnesses and their families and friends before, during and after a trial.
Trained volunteers based in all Crown Court centres and magistrates’ courts offer emotional support and practical information about what happens in court.
How you can help ( More funds urgently needed)
Victim Support receives some funding from central and local government. Other costs have to be found through fundraising.
You can help by:
• Sponsoring the project
• Making a donation
• Joining ‘Friends of Victim Support’
More volunteers urgently needed
Victim Support depends upon many thousands of people who give up their time to help victims cope with the distress caused by crime. Volunteers are welcome from all sections of the community. Full training is given and all out-of-pocket expenses are paid.
You can help by:
• Training as a volunteer visitor
• Training as a court-based volunteer.
There are also opportunities to help in other ways, for example with fundraising and publicity, office administration, or with translation and interpreting.
Victim Support offers
• Someone to talk to in confidence
• Information on police and court procedures
• Liaison with other organisations on behalf of victims
• Information on compensation and insurance matters
• Contact with other sources of help
• Victim Support can arrange for volunteers to accompany people to the police station and to court.
Comments or complaints
Victim Support welcomes comments and suggestions about the service provided for victims of crime. There is also a formal complaints procedure, if you think things have gone wrong. Please contact your local branch of Victim Support/the Witness Service or the National Office for further information.
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