The Police and Crime Commissioner does not only hold the Chief Constable to account for providing effective policing, he also looks after a wide range of issues relating to crime prevention, vicitim support and so forth.
Among the outside bodies currently supported by the Leicestershire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner is the Victim First organisation, which provides various services to the victims of crime.
Victim First is a free, independent and confidential service for victims and witnesses of crime across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
They recognise that everyone’s needs are different and that is why the service is designed to be tailored to individual requirements. Whether or not the crime has been reported, and regardless of when it happened, they provide support to victims of crime.
They have a team of experienced and professional caseworkers, supported by a team of dedicated and highly trained volunteers to help support victims in their journey of recovery.
When providing help to adults, Victim First provides a range of services. Caseworkers are trained to listen, empathise and recognise the emotional impact that crime can have on victims. They have a digital platform accessible for anyone aged 18 and over who have been affected by domestic abuse or sexual offences. The support is anonymous and allows victims to have online contact with a counsellor.
They work alongside a mental health nurse who can help support around mental wellbeing. Also available is a specialist security service who can provide crime prevention and safety measures for added support. Victim First may also contact services on behalf of victims to help.
Victim First also offer a range of sympathetic and careful services to young people who have become victims of crime.
Victim First also offers a Restorative Justice programme. This is a voluntary process which offers you the opportunity to potentially communicate with the offender. This can happen either directly, face to face, or indirectly.
It is an opportunity where victims can talk about the incident and the harm caused, the impact of actions along with an opportunity to ask any questions that they may have, in the hope of providing a means of closure and the chance to move forward with their lives.
Victim First provides a safe environment for restorative justice to take place. They listen to what has happened and how it has affected victims’ lives and what is needed for the next stage.
I have found it most interesting learning more about this organisation and all it does for the vulnerable in our society. There is far more information on their website and I would urge you to go and have a look for yourself. Home - Victim First.
