SUPPORT VICTIMS AND
WITNESSES OF CRIME
P6 – explain how the public and third sector organisations support witnesses
and victims of crime.
M3 – Analyse how the strategies used by local community public services work
to reduce crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour.
D2 – Evaluate a local public service initiative designed to address crime and its
impact on the community.
, Victims of crime –
Individuals
To help victims of crime there are services that are available to help and support peopl
local area. Some of these include;
- The victims information service; they offer emotional support and counselling to vic
help them find somewhere safe to stay and someone to speak so that you can get the
need.
- The victims contact scheme; you can join this scheme if you are the victim of a violent
crime and the offender is sentenced to 12 months or more. Joining the VCS means tha
be informed about the offenders prison sentence and release date, assigned a victi
officer and told when an offender is up for parole and how to make a statement at t
hearing. You will be given the option of joining the scheme when you report a crime.
- Restorative justice scheme; if you contact your local victim support organisation, polic
probation officer if you would like to meet with the offender who was involved, talk a
your life has been affected and get answers to your questions and an apology.
- Prisoner contact; if you are contacted or receiving unwanted contact with an off
prisoner you can contact the national offender management service, victim helpline.
also open to help if you are worried about someone being released from prison.