Victim Support

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Victim Support is a independent national charity, they are not part of the police, courts or any other criminal justice agency.  They help people cope with crime and support witnesses attending court, the services are free and available to everyone, whether or not the crime has been reported to the police and regardless of when it happened.

Help for victims
Anyone affected by crime can contact them directly for help.  If you report a crime to the police they will also put you in contact with Victim Support, if you want them to.

Trained volunteers offer:

• Someone to talk to in confidence
• Information on police and court procedures
• Help in dealing with other organisations
• Information about compensation and insurance
• Assistance to victims of violent crime to apply for Criminal Injuries Compensation
• Links to other sources of help

Help for witnesses
Many witnesses feel worried about going to court, regardless of whether or not they were the victim of the crime.  Victim Support help witnesses who are called to give evidence, including defence witnesses, victims of crime and families / friends attending court for any reason, children as well as adults.

Witness Service staff and volunteers can give you:

• Someone to talk to in confidence
• A chance to see the court beforehand and learn about court procedures
• A quiet place to wait
• Someone to go with you into the court room when giving evidence
• Practical help (for example with expense forms)
• Easier access to people who can answer specific questions about the case (the Witness Service cannot discuss evidence or offer legal advice)
• A chance to talk over the case when it has ended and to get more help or information.

You can contact Victim Support via

Victim Support,
Enterprise House,
Enterprise City, 
Meadowfield Avenue,
Spennymoor,
Co Durham
DL16 6JF
 
Tel 01388 81 66 44
Email info@vscd.co.uk
Fax 01388 81 66 55  
www.victimsupport.com 

Ever thought of Volunteering?
Local volunteers are trained to provide service to victims of crime and witnesses attending court.  Anyone can apply.  No previous experience of this kind of work is necessary.   All volunteers are given training before helping victims/witnesses.

If you are aged 18 and over, understanding, a good listener and who can get on with people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds and would like to contribute please give Victim Support a call.

For more information call the: -

Sedgefield Community Partnership Co-ordinator

Tel: 01388 728827

Email: cdrp@sedgefield.gov.uk