VICTIMS too scared to leave the house to attend counselling sessions and helplines forced to close as staff have been too fearful to head into the office – these are just some of the concerning repercussions of the riots says Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth.
Over recent weeks, some of the services funded by Susan’s office have been raising concerns about how victim access to help has been negatively impacted by the scenes of violence, disorder and racism they have either experienced, witnessed or seen on the news.
Attacks in cities and towns across the North East, as well as up and down the country, have caused widespread distress and fear felt particularly by people of diverse faiths, immigrants, and other minority groups.
Highlighting the crucial role victim services play during times like this, she has said services are committed to finding ways to support people, remotely if necessary, and she doesn’t want anyone to shy away from accessing help. She also reassured people Northumbria Police has every deployable officer out on the streets to improve feelings of safety.
This week the Police and Crime Commissioner spent time visiting organisations including The Angelou Centre and Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland and Connected Voice to see how they are coping in the aftermath of the recent disorder and see how they can be supported.
Susan said: “It upsets me that people are saying they have been too afraid to leave their homes – be it for work or to access help. They’ve done this – the so-called protesters preaching nothing but hatred, abuse and violence. Those who have engaged in the violence have helped no one despite their empty claims of ‘doing it for our women and children. In fact as usual, women and children are disproportionately affected by this civil unrest, despite the demonstrators claiming to be doing it to protect women and children.
“Their actions have had a lasting impact on so many – young people who haven’t lived through things so bad, and older people who are reliving past traumas.
“Nobody in our region should be harmed, threatened, abused, or made to feel unwelcome based on their race, religion, nationality or any other protected characteristic, but it feels like for every step forward society has taken to combat hate, we have now taken two back.
Susan offered victims support and reassurance saying: “Whether you’re a victim of hate, are being supported out of an abusive relationship, or have been subjected to an assault – I don’t want anyone who needs help to stop accessing it. I’ve spoken to lots of organisations and charities this week and they are all committed to doing everything they can to accommodate your needs in person or remotely.
“Protecting service users and staff has to come first but it’s equally important that people keep accessing the support they need as well. My thanks go to everyone helping others through this unsettling time – I really recognise the vital role victim services and community organisations play in people’s wellbeing.
She added: “I am working with partners across the region to kick off a recovery process – a process to help the region recover and rebuild. I want to make sure victim support is right at the heart of our plans. I want us to put these days of disorder behind us, support people in the now, and plan ahead to bring about the change needed to prevent such harmful behaviours attacking our communities again.”
Through the Office’s commissioned hate crime support service, Connected Voice, enhanced support has been made available to support those affected.
Sue Pearce, CEO from Rape Crisis Tyneside and Northumberland, said: “We had to close our specialist sexual violence helpline and face to face appointments for a day. Staff choose to work from home, who didn’t feel safe. We were able to offer women and girls sessions by telephone or online, but this doesn’t always suit everyone. It has been reassuring to have the PCC visit our centre this week.”
Faty Kane, Executive Director of Angelou Centre, said: “Because The Angelou Centre is run ‘by and for’ Black and racially minoritised women, the constant fear of violence has been overwhelming for both our staff and users. The riots have also been deeply triggering for the women and children we serve, as well as for some of our staff, many of whom are survivors of domestic abuse.
We are now focused on helping the women we serve in every way we can, diverting some of our limited resources to provide additional support for individual and collective healing, including counselling and therapy sessions. We know that the Police and Crime Commissioner is with us in opposing the racist violence that we have seen, and we are committed to working together with local authorities to better protect our communities.”
Victim support is available for those directly affected by violence or hatred. The Northumbria Victim and Witness Service can put you in touch with specialist organisations that can provide you with emotional support, practical advice and guidance.
A full list of services commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner can be found here.
