| |
|
MP welcomes extra support for victims of crime
North East Somerset MP Dan Norris has welcomed a new National Victims’ Service to help those who’ve been victims of crime.
“The Government is pumping £8 million into victim support to ensure that the justice system is on the side of the law-abiding citizen. Much more support and help will be provided to those who have suffered at the hands of criminals, and this will be targeted to suit their particular needs,” Dan said.
The first stage of the new service is much greater help families who’ve been bereaved through the murder or manslaughter of a loved one. This begins in March and means families will get a dedicated support worker, immediate help with issues such as childcare and emergency bill payments as well as counselling, legal or financial advice.
Then from April 1, there will be a roll out of a new National Victims’ Service for all victims of crime in England and Wales. This means the most vulnerable will be able to access the service quickly seven days a week, will have one-to-one sessions with a professional case worker as well as being provided with tailored information about what is likely to happen as their case goes forward through the courts.
Dan said: “Never forget that in the 1980s people who suffered as the victims of crime were barely acknowledged. Now the vital role that they and witnesses play in delivering justice is properly recognised.”
And the Government’s plans have been welcomed by Victim Support which will be delivering the new service.
Chief Executive Gillian Guy said: “We’re delighted to be the Government’s key partner in delivering the new National Victims’ Service. It builds on the pioneering work of our charity over the last 35 years to create a world-leading service for people affected by crime.”
Latest figures show crime continuing to fall, breaking the pattern of previous recessions, with the lowest murder rate for a decade and the British Crime Survey showing the chances of being a victim the lowest since records began.
The new National Victims’ Service builds on the wide range of measures the Government has introduced over the past 10 years for victims of crime, including a Victims’ Champion, Victim Personal Statements in court, a Victims’ Advisory Panel and a trebling of funding for victims’ services in the voluntary sector.
|