Tim Passmore visits PCC funded victim service on first anniversary

A free, confidential service set up to support those affected by crime in Suffolk is celebrating its first year of helping people cope and recover.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care Service, run by Victim Support, was launched by Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore and his Norfolk counterpart, Lorne Green, in April 2018.

The two PCCs worked together to commission Victim Support to help victims of crime across the county, funded by a dedicated grant from the Ministry of Justice.

On Tuesday (May 28) Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore visited their offices in Bury to hear at first-hand from some of those who have used the service over the past 12 months.

Tim Passmore said, “Supporting victims of crime is a key part of my role as PCC and I am very grateful to Victim Support and its volunteers for the excellent work they have carried out over the last year.

“The impact of crime on victims can vary hugely and it is crucially important that we provide support that suits the needs of every individual. I understand that victims do not always want, or feel able, to report the crime to the police so it’s also important to highlight that this service is available to everyone regardless of police involvement.”

“Since setting up the service a year ago, more than 760 victims of crime in Suffolk have received practical advice and emotional support from the service’s staff and volunteers to help them cope and recover from what they have experienced. This is great news and from what I have seen and heard today it is clear that Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care provides a valuable service to victims of crime and their families right through from first report to court.

“I found my visit exceptionally helpful to understand different services the team provides and hear from service users about how the support on offer helped them. It is clear that the staff and volunteers are able to build up trusting relationships with victims and support them not only with their emotional needs but also practical help to get their lives back on track after a crime. I am really pleased to see the service is also working well with the police and specialist services, supporting victims of crime for as long as is needed.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care Service provides practical help and emotional support to victims and witnesses of crime. The team offers a safe place for people to confidentially talk through their thoughts and feelings, as well as help with practical issues such as putting in place individual safety plans, providing victims with personal alarms, assisting them with writing a Victim Personal Statement and advocating on their behalf with other agencies. Staff and volunteers can support victims in reporting the crime to the police, should they wish, and will guide them through the criminal justice process, from first steps right through to the end of the trial.

Richard Otterway, from Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care, said: “We’re very proud to be celebrating our first year of providing crucial support to victims and witnesses across Norfolk and Suffolk. During this time, our specially trained staff and volunteer team has responded to thousands of referrals, helping victims cope and recover from difficult experiences.
“It’s important to know that you do not have to report a crime to the police to access our service. If you’re struggling with anything as a result of a crime and need some support, you can call us.”

If you’ve been a victim of crime and would like more information on the help and support available from the Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care Service, please call 0300 303 3706 or email nsvictimcare@victimsupport.org. You can also find out more on the Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care website – www.nsvictimcare.org.