VICTIMS in the Northumbria Police force area can now search for specialist support at the click of a button – thanks to a new directory launched by police and crime commissioner, Susan Dungworth.
Featured on the PCC’s website, the new search tool, launched today Wednesday 20th August allows victims and witnesses to search for emotional and practical support in their local authority area.
The directory includes details of local and national organisations, funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office, and features a description of the help available.
You can access it via the PCC’s website and it has been designed to ensure it’s simple, user-friendly and suitable for all ages.
The Commissioner wants to encourage anyone looking for support for themselves or people they know, to make use of the directory to help find the right support that best meets their needs.
Specialist support is available to those who have experienced crimes such as domestic abuse, serious violence and hate crime.
Victims and Justice is one of six key priorities outlined in Susan’s police and crime plan for safer streets and stronger communities, launched earlier this year.
The new directory is one way she is delivering on her commitment to improving awareness of the support available for adult and child victims and ensuring it is easily accessible.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:
“Being a victim of crime can have a devastating impact on people’s lives. I want to raise awareness of the wide range of support that is there to help and make it as accessible as possible for people – this directory is here to help with that.
“I would always encourage anyone who has had a crime committed against them to call the police, who will signpost you to support options, but I understand that going to the police is not for everyone, and is something some people need to build up to over time. This is why a directory like this is so important – anyone can visit the website and find the type of support they want to receive when they are ready, with or without police involvement.”
Susan continued: “When I started as PCC, I was impressed by the services we commission through the office, and I want to shout about all the support that’s there to help victims and their families cope and recover from their experiences.
So, we have been busy working on a brand-new directory as part of our ongoing wok to improve the victim experience and provide the best possible level of support to victims of crime in Northumbria.
“Support of all kinds is available, from counselling right through to helping guide victims through the criminal justice system. Whatever the crime and whether or not it was reported to the police doesn’t matter. The crime could have happened yesterday of 10 years ago – that doesn’t matter either. I want victims, survivors, relatives all to know this directory is there for them to find the right support whenever the time is right for them. My thanks go to everyone who has assisted in the preparation of this digital resource and who is helping promote it to victims.”
Th directory lists support services that are funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. It will be updated on annual basis reflecting services commissioned for the year ahead.
To access the directory – press the ‘Get Support’ button on the website home page, or click here.
