Release: Dorset PCC commissions Victim Support
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has commissioned Victim Support Dorset to provide a range of services to support victims of crime across the county.
The new service, which comes into effect in April, has been commissioned for five years and will ensure support is available for victims of crime in Dorset including victims of offences such as burglary and robbery, anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse.
Victim Support provide free, confidential, practical and emotional support to people who have been affected by crime in Dorset. Their services are tailored to each person. If you have been a victim of crime, their trained staff will listen to you with compassion, and help you find ways to cope and feel safer.
This new service will allow victims to receive support in a number of different ways, namely through one-to-one support with a caseworker, group work, and digital support – including through Victim Support’s online support tool, My Support Space.
The team will also inform you of your rights and the services you may be entitled to, as well as being able to refer you to other specialist organisations that can provide further support.
The free services provided by Victim Support Dorset are available whether a crime has been reported to the police or not, and at any point during an investigation.
Funding for victims’ services is provided to the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) by the Ministry of Justice. PCCs are considered best placed to commission dedicated local support services for their areas to help victims of crime cope and recover from the impact of their experience.
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: “I am delighted to award these important contracts to Victim Support Dorset following a robust procurement process.
“As part of my Police and Crime Plan, one of my key priorities is dedicated to putting victims and communities first and I am very clear that the needs and experiences of victims of crime need to be at the heart of everything I do.
“I am absolutely committed to ensuring victims of crime have access to the best services in Dorset and that’s why I am so pleased to continue the positive working relationship we have built with Victim Support over the years.
“It is my mission to help victims of crime recover from their experience and have their voices heard, and I know our work with Victim Support will help to achieve that.”
Rebecca Chaplain, Area Manager at Victim Support, said: “We are delighted to be delivering this vital support service to thousands of victims across Dorset. Our specialist staff tailor support to each individual, helping them to cope, recover and rebuild their life after crime. As an independent charity, victims can access our services regardless of whether or not they have reported to the police.
“We are particularly excited that this new service will offer victims different ways to receive support, whether that be one-to-one with a caseworker, in a group setting, or using our online resources. We look forward to working closely with the Police and Crime Commissioner to deliver the best possible support for victims of crime.”
You can contact Victim Support Dorset by calling 0300 3030 163 or Supportline 08081689111 out of hours.
You can also chat online 24 hours a day, seven days a week – victimsupport.org.uk