1. Victim Support in Dorset

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

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

4. The impact of crime
Physical
Psychological
Behavioural
Financial

5. 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%

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

7. 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

8. 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.

9. Victim Care Unit: 0845 48 99 528 Supportline: 0845 30 30 900
Contact us
Victim Care Unit:
Supportline: