Crime
& Victim Support
Victim support and advice
Burglary is a traumatic and distressing experience.
It is a serious crime, yet it is very common. Burglaries
can happen in many different ways - your home may have
been broken into whilst you were away or perhaps you
were there when the offenders entered. And you may have
been burgled before and worry about it happening again.
Being a victim is a profound emotional and psychological
event – it can lead to debilitating personal insecurity,
confusion and uncertainty. Support and advice is critical
during this difficult period and there is help out there
– more than perhaps you might think.
Help for victims
When you report a crime to the police they will treat
you with the utmost consideration and will ask if you’d
like to be referred to an organisation called Victim
Support.
Victim Support is an independent national charity with
staff and volunteers who are specially trained to provide
victims with free emotional support and practical assistance,
including:
- Someone to talk to in confidence
- Advice on victims' rights
- Information on police and court procedures
- Advice about compensation and insurance
- Links to other sources of help like counselling
Anyone affected by crime can contact Victim Support
for help, regardless of whether they’ve reported
the crime to the police or how long ago the crime took
place.
Victim Support line: 0845 30
30 900
You can find the contact details for your local Victim
Support scheme on the Victim Support website.
The Code of Practice
for Victims of Crime
The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime sets out
the services victims can expect to receive from the
criminal justice system including:
- A right to information about their crime within
specified time scales
- A dedicated family liaison police officer to be
assigned to bereaved relatives.
- Clear information from the Criminal Injuries Compensation
Authority (CICA) on eligibility for compensation under
the Scheme.
- All victims to be told about Victim Support and
either referred on to them or offered their service.
- An enhanced service in the cases of vulnerable
or intimidated victims.
- Flexibility with regard to opting in or out of
receiving services to ensure victims receive the level
of service they want.
Criminal justice bodies, including the Prison Service,
the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and all
police forces in England and Wales will need to ensure
that victims of crime and their families receive information,
protection and support.
Samaritans
provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support,
24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings
of distress or despair, including those which could
lead to suicide.
Whatever you're going through, whether it's big or
small, don't bottle it up. We are here for you if you're
worried about something, feel upset or confused, or
just want to talk to someone.
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