Victim Support in Dorset

Victim Support Formed in 1973 England and Wales Independent of government and police Free and confidential services

Who we help Victims of crime Witnesses of crime at every magistrates and crown court Families, friends and others

The impact of crime Physical Psychological Behavioural Financial

How we help Referrals Victim Care Officers Local Managers Volunteers 1.8% Indian 1% Pakistani 1.2% Black African 1.2% Black Caribbean 2% white other 4% others 61.5% Christian 16% under 36 years old 36 to 55 years = 19%

Our services – in the community Emotional support Practical help Advocacy Safety & security Emergency assistance Information Signposting to specialist agencies

Our services – at the courts Court visits Special measures Separate waiting areas Information on court procedures and personnel Support during trial Arrange support after trial

A quick quiz How many people do you think we help in a year? Who is most likely to become a victim of crime? Who are the most common perpetrators? Is crime going up or down? Answers: How many people do we help in one year? = Dorset 8,800 referrals (VS), over 3,000 supported (WS) Who are most likely to be victims of crime? = young people (men especially). Victimisation rates decline generally with age. Young men are likely to be victims of violence around bars and women are likely victims of domestic violence. Perpetrators= young men. Overall crime has been overall been reducing steadily since the 1990s. Violence overall remains at the same level as the 1970s and has fallen since the 1990s. Racially aggravated harassment has been increasing.

Victim Care Unit: 0845 48 99 528 Supportline: 0845 30 30 900 Contact us Victim Care Unit: 0845 48 99 528 Supportline: 0845 30 30 900 www.victimsupport.org.uk