Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe launching the Victims and Witnesses Charter with Baroness Helen Newlove, Victims’ Commissioner for England and Wales.
Ensuring that achieving the right outcome for victims and survivors of crime is a central focus of the Warwickshire Police and Crime Plan. Having the right levels of service and support and treating victims and witnesses with respect is vital for public confidence in the criminal justice system and to achieving justice effectively.
In Warwickshire, we have a very progressive approach. The Police and Crime Commissioner has agreed more than £1 million of continued funding for victim and survivor support services, while the OPCC has a good overview of all activity in the county and is able to make connections to help join up delivery of services wherever possible.
A wide range of projects are funded by the Commissioner to help victims of specific types of crime, some of which can be seen on the other pages in this section, as well as the main services provided by Victim Support. A full list of the projects funded by the PCC can be found on our Grants and Commissioned Services page.
No one asks to become a victim of crime and it is therefore vital that they receive the right level of service and support when they do. As Commissioner I also recognise that some people see themselves as victims, others as survivors of crime. I will put them at the heart of the criminal justice system and make them the central focus for Warwickshire Police and partner agencies at all stages, to assist victims and survivors of crime to cope, recover and achieve justice.
— Warwickshire PCC Philip Seccombe
Victims and Witnesses Charter
The charter creates a means of detailing precisely what services victims can expect and what the police and other partners are expected to provide. It is a means by which the PCC, the police and contracted partners can be held to account for delivering improved and consistent services.
The Warwickshire Victims and Witnesses Charter sets out the standards and services communities should expect to receive from the police and criminal justice agencies in the county if they fall victim to or witness a crime.
It was launched in November 2017.
Victim Support
Since October 2014, the PCC has been responsible for commissioning local victim’s services. In Warwickshire the independent charity Victim Support has been commissioned to deliver these local support services, encompassing emotional and practical support for victims to help them cope and recover from the effects of crime.
The contract doubles the capacity to provide help and support in Warwickshire, meaning that 16,000 victims of crime in the county are now able to access support.
It ensures that all victims of crime can access support services, but particularly those who are vulnerable and need enhanced support. Traditionally, not all victims report the crime they have suffered or take up the offer of support; however Victim Support is focusing on encouraging more people to report their crime and seek help.
Visit the Victim Support pages for Warwickshire for more information or contact them direct:
- Local victim care team: 02476 351003
- National SupportLine: 0808 16 89 111
Did you know?
You can also contact Victim Support in Warwickshire via their live chat facility, online at any time (available 24/7).
