Victim Support is an independent charity for victims of crime which operates across, England, Scotland and Wales. The first Victim Support scheme was established in Bristol in the early 1970’s and has grown to become the oldest and largest victims’ organisation in the world.
Every year they are contacted by over 1.5 million seeking support following a crime.
Independent
Although Victim Support works closely with the police, courts and other parts of the criminal justice system, they are totally independent from these. The help that they give is confidential and free.
Just like any other charity Victim Support are reliant on funds to support their work. They are also dependent upon thousands of specially-trained volunteers to deliver their services.
In Scotland the Victim Support scheme supports both victims and witnesses of crime and run a Witness Service . Many people feel worried about going to court as a witness – regardless of whether they were the victim of the crime. The Witness Service provides emotional and practical support, information and guidance to help witnesses to feel more confident with going to court.
In the England and Wales, the courts have the Citizens Advice Witness Service. Again, this is a free service, in every criminal court and offers independent support to a witness (whether they are witnesses for the prosecution or defence).
The Witness Service can give you:
- Someone to talk to, confidentially, about how you’re feeling before a trial
- Information about what to expect in court, including a chance to see the court beforehand and learn about court procedures
- A quiet place to wait before you are called to give evidence
- Someone to go with you into the courtroom if you want, to help you feel more at-ease
- Practical help (for example with claiming your expenses)
- Easier access to people, such as court staff, who can answer specific questions about the case
- A chance to talk over the case when it has ended and to get more help or information.
The Witness Service is free and independent of the police or courts. You can contact your local Witness Service branch directly an obtain the number via this link
Scotland Witness Support link to find support in your area Witness Service Locations page.
Citizens Advice witness service for England and Wales. Call 0300 332 1000.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/citizens-advice-witness-service/
Find out more about the work of Victim Support:
Victim Support Scotland: www.victimsupportsco.org.uk
Tel: 0345 603 9213 (Monday -Friday 8am – 8pm)
Victim Support for England and Wales: www.victimsupport.org.uk
Tel: 08 08 16 89 111 (24/7 service)
Text Relay service for anyone with hearing difficulties can be accessed on 18001 08 08 16 89 111
The Support line has an interpretation service for people who do not speak English as a first language
Non-mobiles are charged at the local rate, but the number will appear on your itemised bill. If someone else will see your home telephone bill and you don’t want them to know you’ve phoned Support line, you may prefer to use a public telephone. Or you can use a mobile, but please be aware that the number will also appear on the bill and the call will be charged at the usual rate by your provider.
Other ways to contact the Support line
The Support line can also give you information by letter and by email. Unfortunately, they can’t give face-to-face support, but they can put you in touch with your local office which can offer face-to-face help, please go to the Victim Support website for further details.
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