Victim Support
Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime. It is a completely independent organisation, offering a free and confidential service, irrespective of whether or not a crime has been reported.
Each year Victim Support offers help to over one million people who have been affected by crime.
This help is provided through a network of local schemes across the whole of England, Wales and Northern Ireland (there are separate organisations covering Scotland and the Republic of Ireland). Staff and volunteers within these schemes are trained to provide emotional support, information and practical help to people who have suffered the effects of crime ranging from burglary to the murder of a relative.
Victim Support also runs the Witness Service, based in every Crown Court centre in England and Wales, and in a growing number of magistrates' courts. Staff and volunteers are trained to provide support and information about the court process to witnesses, victims and their families, before, during and after the trial. By April 2002, witnesses in any of the criminal courts in England and Wales will be able to receive help.
People affected by crime can also contact Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900 a national lo-call telephone number. Trained staff and volunteers offer support and information to victims and witnesses of crime in complete anonymity, and can put people in touch with local Victim Support services and other relevant organisations if required.
Victim Support's Aims and Objectives
Victim Support has two primary objectives:
- To provide support and assistance to individual victims, witnesses, their families and friends.
- To raise public awareness and recognition to the effects of crime and promote victim's rights.
By striving to meet these objectives we aim to provide a comprehensive, flexible service to reduce the effects of crime. The Vale Royal branch co-ordinator can be contacted on 01244 612332.
