The survey, which has been designed to give victims and witnesses a way to feed back on their own experiences, is confidential with details on how to access the online survey only provided at court by Victim Support’s Witness Service. The service is being piloted in courts across West Mercia including Worcester crown and magistrates’ courts.
Melina Hancox, divisional manager at Victim Support, said: “The information collected will help the agencies involved work together to improve services.”The second initiative – Visual Evidence for Victims (VEV) – provides a free and confidential service to victims of violent crime or criminal damage. Approved agencies can take photographs of injuries or damaged property and store them securely for future use.
Kiran Robotham, local VEV project manager, said: “If you have been a victim of violent crime – particularly in cases of domestic abuse – you might not be ready to go to the police. With VEV, the evidence can be recorded, so that if the victim chooses to report the crime later, the proof will not fade away.”
Your Worcester News is currently supporting an international campaign to end domestic violence. The 16 Days of Action is supported by the Worcestershire Forum Against Domestic Abuse. Martin Lakeman, strategic co-ordinator for forum, said: “We thoroughly support these latest initiatives launched by Victim Support.
For more information about the forum contact Mr Lakeman on 01905 822 357.
To call in confidence about domestic abuse, call 0800 980 3331.
