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.
Code of Practice for Victims of Crime
Home Office government department responsible for reducing and preventing crime.
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.
