A review of Northumbria’s victims’ services is underway
24th January 2020
VICTIMS’ services will be the focus of a new review as Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness sets out her commitment to helping people effected by crime.
The police commissioner is carrying out an independent review of services funded through her office in order to ensure there continues to be a voice for victims and that services for them are strengthened.
Victims services often play a vital role helping families and individuals cope and recover from sometimes very distressing experiences.
As part of the review the Commissioner’s office will look at how it funds a range of services, including Victims First Northumbria, the independent charity that supports many of Northumbria’s victims.
Alongside this, the Commissioner has urged members of the public to get in touch and have their say on what works well in support services and what can be improved, either via her office or Northumbria Police’s quarterly victim satisfaction survey.
Kim said: “My top two priorities as Police Commissioner are to help our force prevent crimes and ensure that when a crime does happen, the victim is central to all we do. When you’re a victim of a crime you want the criminal brought to justice, but sometimes you also want extra support as you go through that process, and the aim of this reviewing is making sure those support services are meeting your needs.”
The review of victims’ services will look at opportunities to widen the reach of available services as well as looking at new ways of providing essential support services.
Kim said: “I was elected on a promise of making sure the public are at the centre of policing, and as part of that commitment I want to focus now on victim support services and it is vital that we put the victim’s experience central to this.
“When you’re a victim of a crime it is important that you know both that the police are there for you and that there is free, confidential support and advice for anyone affected by crime living in the Tyne and Wear or Northumberland area.
“There is already a great team working at Victims First Northumbria providing this help, and now I want to build on that offer with a full review of victims services.”
A review of commissioned services will be completed by summer 2020.
To have your say on support for victims, or to volunteer to be part of a victims’ focus group, email enquires@northumbria-pcc.gov.uk
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