Victims’ Commissioner visits Suffolk to meet victims of crime

Victims’ Commissioner Baroness Newlove visited Suffolk on Friday 3rd March to meet Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Tim Passmore and see first-hand some of the vital work being carried out to support victims in the county.

The Baroness’ day in Suffolk included a visit to Lighthouse Women’s Aid, which supports victims of domestic abuse and to Survivors in Transition, which supports adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. She was able to speak to victims supported by the two organisations to better understand how victims are supported in the county.

Tim Passmore said, “It was a very successful day which gave me the opportunity to update Baroness Newlove on what we are doing in Suffolk to support victims especially victims of domestic abuse and coercive control

The visit to Lighthouse Women’s Aid included the opportunity to hear from seven victims of abuse, each with a different, but equally sad, experience. They discussed the huge challenges the victims face including the lack of sheltered housing.

The Survivors in Transition visit highlighted some of the very good work being done for victims of childhood sexual abuse in the county. The Baroness was shown the very positive benefits the art therapy course and discussed the desperate need of counselling to meet the increasing demand.

Tim added, “I was so pleased to welcome Baroness Newlove to Suffolk. Dealing with the challenges of serious sexual offences and domestic abuse are two of the top priorities in my Police and Crime Plan and I think it is fair to say we are making some very worthwhile progress in confronting these particularly dreadful crimes.

“I find it very distressing to hear the victims’ stories especially when children become involved and Helen’s visit makes me more determined than ever that we must all do whatever we can to look after those affected and help them in their time of need and support and in the future.”

Baroness Newlove (second left) is pictured with Clare Wilson and Fiona Ellis from Survivors in Transition and Tim Passmore.