Research
We talk to over 1.5 million people affected by crime every year. Their views influence what we do and what we say.
Research is a vital part of improving the experience of victims and witnesses. It allows us to better understand the needs of victims and witnesses so we can campaign on their behalf. Research is also essential for a charity that provides services like we do, because we need to know that our own services meet the needs of victims and witnesses in every community in England and Wales.
We are a national voice for victims and witnesses, making sure that the experiences of victims and witnesses are heard at all levels of decision-making. Because we are in touch with over 1.5 million people affected by crime every year, we're in a unique position as a charity to understand their needs and to speak out for them when necessary.
Listening to victims and witnesses is an essential part of what we do. As well as seeking feedback every day from the people we help, we run focus groups around the country to gather views, opinions and information from victims and witnesses.
Below is a list of our research reports for you to download:
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Left in the Dark: Why victims need to be kept informedThis report brings together official government data and new Victim Support survey findings and shows that a failure by the criminal justice system to keep victims informed undermin confidence and makes victims less likely to report incidents in future. Download pdf(866 KB) |
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Summing up: a strategic audit of the criminal justice systemThe new analysis brings together a range of data for the first time to look at the performance of the main justice agencies in England and Wales through the eyes of victims and witnesses. (3 MB)Download pdf(3 MB) |
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Hoodie or goodie?Subtitled, 'The link between violent victimisation and offending in young people: a research report.' A research report commissioned by BMRB Social Research which explores the link between violent victimisation and offending behaviour in young people. Download pdf(1 MB) |
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Crime and prejudice - the support needs of victims of hate crime: a research reportA research report commissioned by Victim Support and funded by Co-operative Insurance focusing on identifying and understanding the support needs of victims of hate crime motivated by race, sexuality and religion. This report is the second phase of a three-phase project. Download pdf(574 KB) |
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In the aftermath: the support needs of people bereaved by homicide A research report into the needs of people bereaved by homicide which we used as a basis to review our services and learning materials. Download pdf(548 KB) |
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Investigating the practical support needs of burglary victimsA research report which looks at how Victim Support, and the organisations it works alongside, could improve the scope, coverage, effectiveness and quality of practical support for burglary victims in the future. Download pdf(441 KB) |
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Criminal neglect: no justice beyond criminal justice A research report on how crime affects victims and our call for a new way of thinking about crime. Download pdf(210 KB) |
