Press releases and statements - Recent

You can view the following recent press releases and statements on this page:

Brave Manchester boy raises funds for victims charity (15 May 2009)
Victim Support welcomes new Executive Director of Marketing (7 April 2009)
Criminal justice system needs a revolution to put victims at its heart says victim's charity (27 March 2009)
New anti-fraud strategy welcomed by Victim Support (19 March 2009)
Victim Support response to NAO report on court delays (6 March 2009)
Coroners and Justice Bill needs urgent reform says Victim Support (10 February 2009)
Victim Support response to the creation of a Victims' Champion (26 January 2009)
Coroners and Justice Bill a missed opportunity for victims of crime says Victim Support (26 January 2009)
Help for Christmas crime victims is a phone call away (9 December 2008)
Victim Support boosts its communications team (9 December 2008)
Volunteers awarded at Buckingham Palace (5 December 2008)
Mergers create new national victim's charity (15 July 2008)
More young people and vulnerable witnesses seek support in court, says UK crime charity (3 April 2008)
Show your support as Laura runs the London Marathon for Victim Support (3 April 2008)
The Government wants to hear your views on crime (31 March 2008)
Victim Support appoints new Communications Managers (25 March 2008)
Victim Support's response to the National Audit Office report into the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (14 December 2007)
New website gives help and advice for young victims of crime (29 October 2007)
New resources help teachers raise awareness of the impact of crime (29 October 2007)
Hoodie or goodie? New research reveals ways to break the cycle of violence among young people (10 October 2007)
Web-based survey for victims of violent crime (29 June 2007)
Government hears the voices of vulnerable victims (15 June 2007)
Anonymous registration for electors protects vulnerable (4 June 2007)
Pets and partners overtaken by cars, says new survey (27 March 2007)
Statement - Young people and vulnerable witnesses get support in court (15 February 2007)
Statement in response to Without consent: a report on the joint review of the investigation and prosecution of rape offences (31 January 2007)

For all press enquiries, please contact the press office:

Hannah Green	External Communications Executive
Telephone:	020 7268 0280
E-mail:	hannah.green@victimsupport.org.uk

Kelly Flynn	Media and External Relations Manager
Telephone:	020 7268 0241
E-mail:	kelly.flynn@victimsupport.org.uk

Paul Fawcett	Head of Marketing and Communications
Telephone:	020 7268 0242
E-mail:	paul.fawcett@victimsupport.org.uk

Brave Manchester boy raises funds for victims charity

On 16 May, nine-year-old Kamran Arif will be doing a sponsored 2.5k Junior Run at Eastlands, Manchester, as a tribute to his 'dadda' who was stabbed to death on 16 July 2006. The money Kam raises will be given to Victim Support, to help other crime victims in Manchester.

Kam and his family have been supported by the charity since Changez, Kam's dad, was murdered outside his gran's house.

Sam Jones, a Manchester Fundraiser for Victim Support, said: "We are really honoured that Kam has decided to donate the funds from his run to Victim Support. The money Kam raises will be really valuable in helping crime victims in Manchester, and we are extremely grateful for his generosity."

So far Kam has managed to raise £210. He's doing really well, but he's relying on people's generosity to raise as much money as he possibly can.

Kam said: "I miss my dadda so much and have been doing lots of things to make him and my family proud. I am good at Thai boxing and I train every day. I'm also on a football team.

"All the money that I manage to raise will be given to Victim Support, who helped me and my Mum so much when we needed it.

"I am sure my dadda will be watching me and I will run as fast as I can. All my family will be watching me and cheering me on and if you would like to come and support me and all the other kids that will be great.

"Thank you for supporting me and all the other victims of senseless crimes."

Comments on Kam's fundraising page show the support he has been given so far: "Kids like you can change hearts and minds and help build a better place - be proud" and "You're a true inspiration to us all. Thank you."

If you would like to show your support by sponsoring Kam, please visit his justgiving page

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
We have trained staff and volunteers offering free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not is has been reported and regardless of when it happened
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline. Our website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org.uk
Victim Support helps over 1.5 million people every year

Victim Support welcomes new Executive Director of Marketing

Marketing, communications and fundraising at the charity Victim Support is set to be invigorated by the appointment this week of a new Executive Director of Marketing.

Guy North has over 18 years’ managerial experience in marketing and communications, at Bass Brewers, the BBC and BBC Worldwide.

Guy has managed and built some of the biggest brands in the UK, with career highlights including re-launching the Carling beer brand in 1998 and revitalising the BBC Sport brand between 2001 and 2004. This involved winning back the confidence of viewers and promoting the BBC’s coverage of major sporting events with award winning campaigns, including the World Cup, FA Cup, and Olympics.

More recently, North redefined the BBC TV channel portfolio by developing clear positionings for each channel brand – BBC One, Two, Three and Four - and working with programme makers to focus on delivering and promoting content that embodied these positionings.

North will now lead the team in raising the profile of the national charity that helps victims and witnesses of crime, and increasing independent donations and funding as well as greater corporate sponsorship.

North said: “The more I heard about the massive transformation Victim Support has gone through in the last 18 months, the more I began to see its ambition and commitment to delivering the best possible services to victims and witnesses.

“I see my challenge as really raising awareness and understanding of the charity at a national level and building a brand that people are aware of and admire for what it does. If we achieve this then we should see Victim Support becoming recognised as the independent voice for victims and witnesses.

“In raising the profile of the charity and connecting with the wider community, I would hope to see an increase in donations and funding from independent sources, as well as attracting greater corporate sponsorship.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
We have trained staff and volunteers offering free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not is has been reported and regardless of when it happened
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline. Our website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org.uk
Victim Support helps over 1.5 million people every year

Criminal justice system needs a revolution to put victims at its heart says victim's charity

Speaking at a major victim and witness conference1 in London today (27 March 2009) the Chief Executive of Victim Support, Gillian Guy, said that the criminal justice system (CJS) is lagging far behind the private sector and the NHS in the service it provides to the public.

She called on the CJS to transform itself to create a truly excellent public service, geared towards society’s expectations and underpinned by quality, choice and influence for the citizen. To achieve this will require a radical new vision, backed by large-scale reform rather than a steady drip of incremental change.

Ms Guy said: “We must ask ourselves ‘are victims and witnesses at the heart of the CJS?’ The answer is ‘not yet’. And it won’t be a reality unless we transform the criminal justice system into a criminal justice service, built on the ideas of quality, choice and influence that underpin the best services in other sectors. That is nothing short of a revolution for the criminal justice system, but there are times when only a revolution will do.

“We need a culture shift so that the justice system lives by its quality standards – so that the people delivering the service aspire to achieve them and are proud to meet and exceed them. We need a culture where failure to meet those standards is not acceptable. We no longer expect the private sector to have standards and fail on them, and the justice system should be no different.

“We need more choice in the justice system. We expect to have 24-hour shopping, banking and communications. And we have choices in healthcare and education. So why can’t we extend the opening hours of courts from the standard 10 to 4 on weekdays to help reduce witness waiting times? And we need to look at proper timetabling of cases to reduce delays and inconvenience for victims and witnesses.

“We need to give the citizen real influence over how the justice system works – so that feedback and complaints are a spur to improvement. We need a simple, open and single complaints process.

“Incremental improvement won’t get the justice system up to the level of the best in the NHS and the private sector. The justice system needs a revolution if it is really going to put victims and witnesses at its heart.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

http://www.capitaconferences.co.uk/OurConferences/Police/Victims+and+Witnesses+Conference.htm
Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
We have trained staff and volunteers offering free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not is has been reported and regardless of when it happened
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline. Our website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org.uk
Victim Support helps over 1.5 million people every year

New anti-fraud strategy welcomed by Victim Support

Victim Support welcomes the anti-fraud strategy, launched today by the Attorney General, which aims to tackle the underlying factors that allow fraud to be committed, and includes improving support for victims.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Victim Support, said: "Fraud is often dismissed as a corporate or victimless crime and much of it remains hidden. But the reality is that all of us are at risk and the threat is increasing with the growth of the internet. Added to this, being a victim of fraud carries an element of stigma or embarrassment which can make victims think they are to blame and discourage them from reporting these crimes or seeking help. We need a complete change of approach and of attitude towards fraud and this strategy is hopefully a turning point in our national approach to the problem.

"The strategy presents a comprehensive plan involving many agencies, ourselves included, backed up by the resources needed to deliver it. We are particularly delighted that victims and their support needs are at the heart of it and we are committed to working closely with the Attorney General to further develop support for fraud victims."

If you have been a victim of fraud, Victim Support can help you. Please contact the Victim Supportline for more information on 0845 30 30 900. You can also download a copy of the National Fraud Strategic Authority's new leaflet, which gives advice on who to contact and ways to protect your personal information.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
We have trained staff and volunteers offering free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not is has been reported and regardless of when it happened
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline. Our website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org.uk

Victim Support response to NAO report on court delays

Commenting on the National Audit Office’s report into the administration of the Crown Court published today (6 March 2009) Owen Sharp, Operations Director of Victim Support, said:

“We applaud the NAO for putting the impact on victims and witnesses at the heart of their assessment of the work of the Crown Court today. The recognition of their importance in this report is evidence of an aspiration for a more ‘customer-focused’ approach by the courts which has to be a good thing.

“However, underlying this are some very serious issues that have a damaging and unacceptable impact on victims and witnesses, not least of which is the problem of inadequate premises. This even affects our work to support witnesses as in many cases the necessary facilities are not available. The Crown Court system is clearly over-stretched resulting in long waiting times and problematic transfers to other courts. This is made worse by inadequate IT systems and staff recruitment and training problems.

“This report shows that, once again, criminal justice is lagging far behind other public services in its performance and victims and witnesses are the casualties. The Government often says that it wants to put victims and witnesses at the heart of the criminal justice system but here is clear evidence that the Crown Court, arguably the ‘jewel in the crown’ of British justice, fails in that regard and is ripe for improvement."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
We have trained staff and volunteers offering free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not is has been reported and regardless of when it happened
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline. Our website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org.uk

Coroners and Justice Bill needs urgent reform says Victim Support

Commenting on the Coroners and Justice Bill which is being considered this week by Members of the Bill Committee, Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Victim Support, said:

“This legislation could have been a chance to deliver vital improvements for victims and witnesses of crime. Instead, they currently appear to be an afterthought in what is a jumble of changes with no clear strategy behind them.

“The Bill could be significantly improved with only a few amendments. We are urging Members of the Bill Committee to table and support these important improvements, and for other MPs to encourage their colleagues to support them, in an effort to make sure this does not become a wasted opportunity to help victims, witnesses and those who have to attend inquests.”

Victim Support is calling for:

a guaranteed support service for witnesses attending inquests so that they get the same help as other witnesses in court.
clarification of the proposed reforms of the partial defences to murder. Cases of diminished responsibility should require that the defendant's medical condition is evident at the time of the offence and be recognised by a competent authority (designated by the Secretary of State). Where the partial defence is on grounds of provocation, we need clarity from the Government on how excluding sexual infidelity works in practice.
the right for every witness in court to request special protective measures, whether or not they fall into the current eligibility categories of being vulnerable or intimidated.
a statutory commitment from government that when new sentences are proposed, they will be implemented within six months of Royal Assent
the repeal of the Victims Commissioner role and re-direction of the funds towards front-line services. This will avoid duplication of the Commissioner's role with Victim Support and similar organisations which already campaign for victims.
the creation of a simple, accessible, robust and effective system to deal with complaints about the criminal justice system from victims and witnesses.
the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme (CICS) to be brought into line with the more generous armed forces compensation scheme.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
We have trained staff and volunteers offering free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not is has been reported and regardless of when it happened
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline. Our website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org

Victim Support response to the creation of a Victims' Champion

We congratulate Sara Payne on her appointment to this role.

Victim Support is the UK’s leading organisation for victims and witnesses and the oldest and largest victims’ organisation in the world. So we naturally work to ensure that the voice of victims and witnesses is heard clearly by Government. The Champion will have a new and distinct role to play in that.

We are keen to ensure that the Champion is an ally for us in securing the best possible rights, services and opportunities for all victims of crime. So we clearly welcome the government’s requirement that the Champion work with and learn from us, given our extensive knowledge and experience of victims, witnesses and their needs drawn from almost 35 years of work and contact with well over 1.5 million victims and witnesses every year.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
We have trained staff and volunteers offering free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not is has been reported and regardless of when it happened
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline. Our website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org
Victim Support helps over 1.5 million people every year.

Coroners and Justice Bill a missed opportunity for victims of crime says Victim Support

Commenting on the Coroners and Justice Bill which has its second reading in the House of Commons today, Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Victim Support said:

“This legislation is a missed opportunity to help victims and witnesses of crime. It could have been a radical and coherent programme of reform to put them at the heart of the criminal justice system. Instead it is a jumble of changes with no clear strategy behind them; once again victims of crime appear to be an afterthought.

“We are urging the Government to go further and seize this opportunity to turn rhetoric into reality: to really put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system and end the public's perception that it's offenders who are always protected.”

Victim Support is calling for:

the creation of a national support service for people attending inquests (to mirror the services Victim Support already runs for witnesses attending criminal courts) with the resources to back it
clarity on the reform of the defences to murder, including the definition of a ‘recognised medical condition’ and why sexual infidelity is singled out as not being a ground for provocation
automatic availability of special (protective) measures in court for any witnesses who request them,
a statutory commitment from government that when new sentences are proposed, a binding commitment is given to implement them within six months of Royal Assent
clarification from the Government on the current need for a Commissioner for victims, a post which has been watered-down compared to the original proposals. Alternatively, the repeal of the Commissioner provisions with the funding redirected to front line victim services
the equalising of compensation systems for victims of crime and members of the armed forces.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
We have trained staff and volunteers offering free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not is has been reported and regardless of when it happened
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline. Our website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org
Victim Support helps over 1.5 million people every year.

Help for Christmas crime victims is a phone call away

Becoming a victim of crime at any time is unpleasant, and it is a sad fact that certain types of crime increase at Christmas. But there is no need to suffer in silence during the festive season because help is just a phone call away.

Victim Support¹ has trained staff and volunteers to give free emotional support, practical help and information to anyone affected by crime, irrespective of whether it has been reported to the police and regardless of when it happened.

Graham Lewis, Victim Supportline manager, says: "We see an increase in calls about domestic violence and burglary at this time of the year. But if someone becomes a victim, or is distressed by a crime they've witnessed, we know from experience that talking about it with one of our trained volunteers can help."

Anyone affected by crime can call the Supportline² on 0845 30 30 900 if they (or somebody close to them) has been a victim or witness of crime.

The Supportline will be open over Christmas and New Year as follows:

Christmas Eve	9.00-5.00
Christmas Day	CLOSED
New Years Eve	9.00-5.00
New Years Day	CLOSED
Boxing Day	11.00-3.00

Normal opening hours for the Supportline are:

9am - 9pm	Mondays to Fridays
9am - 7pm	weekends
9am - 5pm	bank holidays

Opening hours of local offices may vary, so people should check their local press for details.

ENDS

Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
All calls to the Victim Supportline are confidential and charged at less than 1p a minute from a BT landline
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline (0845 30 30 900). Our website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org
Victim Support has trained staff and volunteers giving free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported and regardless of when it happened
Victim Support helps over 1.5 million people every year

Date: 9 December 2008

Volunteers awarded at Buckingham Palace

Victim Support's ¹ first ever National Volunteer of the Year awards ceremony was held on 27 November 2008, at Buckingham Palace.

Receiving the award from HRH The Princess Royal, 22 of the national charity's volunteers were recognised for dedication and commitment to their work with victims and witnesses of crime.

The ceremony was followed by a reception where the Princess, Victim Support's President, chatted to the winners.

Sarah Phillips, Chairman of Victim Support, says: "The winners have rightfully been recognised for what they have contributed through volunteering for Victim Support. Volunteers have a crucial role to play in our work with victims and witnesses of crime. These awards are a way for us to say thank you to just a small number of the army of Victim Support volunteers".

National newsreader and television presenter Fiona Bruce compered the ceremony where two awards were also given to special category winners. Eileen Tracey of Kingswinford in the West Midlands, was named Fundraising Volunteer of the Year while Michael Lam of Coventry, received the Young Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to volunteering at the age of just 21.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
Images are available on request
Victim Support has trained staff and volunteers giving free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported and regardless of when it happened
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline (0845 30 30 900). Our website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org
All calls to the Victim Supportline are confidential and charged at less than 1p a minute from a BT landline
Victim Support helps over 1.5 million people every year

Victim Support boosts its communications team

Victim Support has strengthened its communications team with three new recruits. The restructuring follows the charity's move from a federation of 77 separate charities to a single national body for England and Wales. The enhancement of the communications team is a key part of the charity's plans to be the national 'voice' for victims and witnesses.

Hannah Green, External Communications Executive, joins Victim Support from an engineering consultancy. She will be helping to raise the charity's profile in the national, regional and local media.

Commenting on her new role, Hannah said: "It is fantastic to be joining Victim Support, a charity that depends on the dedication of its volunteers. It is especially exciting because the communications function is evolving as a result of the merger."

Sarah Claughton joins as Internal Communications Executive, from an independent government agency in Canberra, Australia. Sarah will help develop internal communication with the charity's 1,500 paid staff, and 6,500 volunteers who support victims and witnesses of crime.

Sarah said: "It's great to be working for a charity that is so well recognised and respected. With a new structure, the challenge lies in reaching out to all our staff and volunteers nationally, to keep them informed of developments within the charity. Now that we're working as a single charity it's important that we are all focused on the same vision and goals."

Mike Denham joins Victim Support from the Employers' Forum on Disability, as Information and Knowledge Coordinator. Mike's main roles include dealing with general information requests, keeping our intranet and other online resources well organised and up-to-date, and maintaining Victim Support's library as one of Europe's leading victimology resources.

Mike said: "It means a lot to me to be working for such a pioneering organisation. Victim Support does so much, with the aid of excellent volunteers, to provide emotional support for victims of crime and witnesses in court. I am really looking forward to playing a key part in developing and supporting communications at Victim Support."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
Victim Support has trained staff and volunteers offering free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported and regardless of when it happened
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline (0845 30 30 900). Victim Support's website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org
All calls to the Victim Supportline are confidential and charged at less than 1p a minute from a BT landline
Victim Support helps over 1.5 million people every year.

Mergers create new national victim's charity

July 2008 marks a significant milestone in the 35 year history of Victim Support, when it becomes a single national1 charity.

The organisation has completed the merger of a national federation of 77 charities into a single entity in just over six months.

The change will make Victim Support significantly more efficient and crucially, speed up decision making to help keep abreast of new issues and opportunities. One immediate outcome of the mergers is a project to enhance the charity's services for victims. This will increase response times and help the organisation prioritise support for those most in need.

The major restructuring could not have been achieved without the hard work of the army of volunteers and staff who provide the service at the sharp end of the organisation.

Commenting on the restructuring, Chief Executive Gillian Guy said: "The fact that we've gone from a proposal to a full merger in just over 18 months is a remarkable achievement and a testament to all those involved, especially the people on the front line of the organisation. We've laid very sound foundations and now there are big challenges ahead - we must now build on our new strength and focus with renewed energy on our mission, transforming the lives of victims and witnesses for the better."

The restructuring has also seen the new slim-line national centre move to smaller premises in Central London.

ENDS

Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
All calls to the Victim Supportline are confidential and charged at less than 1p a minute from a BT landline
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline (0845 30 30 900). Our website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org
Victim Support has trained staff and volunteers giving free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported and regardless of when it happened
Victim Support helps over 1.5 million people every year

More young people and vulnerable witnesses seek support in court, says UK crime charity

Increasing numbers of young people and witnesses at risk of intimidation are receiving help and support to help them cope with giving evidence during criminal trials, according to new figures from Victim Support released today.

Nearly 5,000 more vulnerable and intimidated witnesses (including children and victims of domestic violence) were helped in the last 12 months by the charity's Witness Service, bringing the total to nearly 52,000. Over 28,000 young people under 18 were helped by the court-based service, which is an increase of nearly 4,000 on last year.

The new figures from Victim Support's Annual report and accounts 2006 [pdf] show that more witnesses and victims are being offered pre-trial visits, which allow people to see a courtroom before the trial and ask specific questions about court procedures. Last year, staff and volunteers at the Witness Service arranged more than 12,000 extra visits to help people feel better informed about what happens during a trial.

Joe Brazil, Services Manager at Victim Support, says: "Many people get their ideas about appearing in court by watching programmes, such as The Bill, which rarely give you a sense of how it feels to be a witness. The Witness Service gives emotional support, practical help and answers to their questions. We know that well-supported witnesses and victims feel more relaxed and give better evidence, so we're very pleased that more people are accessing this information and support.

"Vulnerable and intimidated witnesses often have specific needs to help them cope with the court process, such as screens that shield them from the defendant, or video link evidence, so they don't have to go into the courtroom. We can help witnesses through the process, using 'special measures', by identifying their needs in advance, or on the day, by working closely with the police, Crown prosecution Service and the witness care units. We'll continue to liaise with other agencies to make sure it happens".

Staff and trained volunteers at the Witness Service provide free and confidential information, practical help and emotional support to witnesses, victims, their families and friends at every criminal court in England and Wales.

Show your support as Laura runs the London Marathon for Victim Support

Crime Victim Laura Bray from Portsmouth is running the London Marathon on behalf of Victim Support. In Laura’s own words

“As a victim of crime last year my life took a sudden and dramatic change. If it wasn’t for charities like Victim Support who put me in touch with people I could talk to confidentally it would have made my road to recovery at a lot harder. The services they provide are free and invaluable and I want to do my bit to give something back.”

Laura has already raised £91 but there is still time if you would like to show your support by making a donation. To sponsor Laura, visit her fundraising page.

She is also in need of cheering at support points and has said she needs a volunteer to throw jelly babies at her at around the 13 mile mark and another to meet her at the end to help her to walk!

Laura goes on to say:“I said I would never do this again! Especially having to live on a diet of carbs and no alcohol and running 18-23 miles at weekends in the wind and rain. This year Paula Radcliffe has dropped out so at least I have a good chance of winning the prize fund!”

The Government wants to hear your views on crime

The Government is conducting a review into how local communities, the police, local criminal justice agencies and other local partners can best work together to reduce crime, raise community confidence, improve information to the community and reduce the fear of crime. The review will also investigate what encourages people to get involved in tackling problems within their community.

A key part of the review is to gather evidence through the experiences and opinions of the public and importantly, victims of crime. With your help the Government hopes to uncover the answers to some of the questions presented in this review. If you’d like to contribute your views, you can complete an online questionnaire.

If you would like to receive a printed copy of the questionnaire, please email haveyoursay@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk giving your full postal address. Or you can write to request a copy at Freepost, PO Box 1748, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 4XR, again stating your full postal address.

(Please note that Victim Support is not directly involved in this survey and therefore we are unable to answer questions about it.)

Victim Support appoints new Communications Managers

Victim Support, the national charity which helps victims of crime, has made two new appointments to its Communications & Marketing team..

Kelly Flynn is the new Media & External Communications Manager while Chris Ochietti is the new Information & Internal Communications Manager.

The appointments come at a unique time in Victim Support's history as it moves from a federation of 90 separate charities to a single national entity so Flynn and Ochietti are much needed to meet the challenges ahead.

Ex-broadcaster Flynn has more than 20 years PR experience in the public and private sectors. She spent nearly seven years with the Greater London Authority where she was initially a member of the interim team tasked with setting up a press office for the newly elected Mayor and London Assembly.

At Victim Support, Flynn will be managing the charity's external profile in the media as well as developing stakeholder relationships. Commenting on her new role, she said: "I am absolutely delighted to be joining Victim Support at such an exciting time. The support the organisation provides for victims of crime is quite remarkable not least because of the grass roots work of its volunteers who give support and practical help for those who need it most."

Chris Occhietti has a background in health insurance working for three years as Internal Communications Manager at Medibank Private, Australia's largest private health insurer. Ochietti key role will be to set up a robust internal communications framework for Victim Support.

ENDS

Victim Support is the national charity for people affected by crime
All calls to the Victim Supportline are confidential and charged at less than 1p a minute from a BT landline
The national charity also runs the Witness Service and the Victim Supportline (0845 30 30 900). Our website can be accessed at www.victimsupport.org
Victim Support has trained staff and volunteers giving free and confidential information, support and practical help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not it has been reported and regardless of when it happened
Victim Support helps over 1.5 million people every year

Victim Support's response to the National Audit Office report into the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme

Commenting on the findings of the National Audit Office's (NAO) report into the Government's Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Victim Support, said:

"Victim Support helps over 15,000 people a year to apply for criminal injuries compensation - that's around a quarter of all applicants. So the system and its effectiveness are clearly an issue of great importance for us - as well as the victims of violent crime we represent.

"We have a longstanding, positive and productive relationship with the Authority and, to put today's report in context, know that many improvements are being implemented as we speak. To that extent, we know that today's report very much presents a picture of past problems.

"Nonetheless, the issues the report highlights clearly are serious and will no doubt be of concern to many victims of violent crime who have made a claim or are in the process of doing so. Delays in processing claims are worrying and the long-term increase in turnaround time does need resolving. But there is already evidence that the Authority's new systems will have a very positive impact.

"We are also concerned at the significant discrepancies in terms of who applies. The scheme is available to everyone and these findings suggest that some groups in society are either unaware of their right to claim, or discouraged in some way. This issue needs addressing to make the scheme more accessible to all and we support the NAO's recommendations for greater promotion.

"On the issue of bureaucracy and costs, we know that the Authority recognises the problems. We hope and expect that their new systems will have a beneficial effect. We also accept the need to have a thorough process to make sure that awards of public money are only made to genuine cases.

"This report is important in that it examines the work of a public body playing a crucial role for many victims of crime. But the Authority is to be commended for having set things in motion to resolve the issues well ahead of publication of these findings."

New website gives help and advice for young victims of crime

The charity Victim Support today (29 October) launches new online resources to help 7-14 year-olds deal with crime. The revamped and expanded Are you OK? website includes online games to learn about safety on the streets as well as advice about coping with the effects of crime. Users can also 'Ask Sam', a Victim Support volunteer who can help with worries and questions young people have about crime.

The site was designed with the help of young victims involved in Victim Support's Youth Advisory Group based in Norfolk. Alongside the new website, Victim Support is also launching new classroom resources to help teachers raise awareness of crime, its effects, and how teenagers can get the help if they become a victim.

"People are so caught up in the issue of young offenders that they forget that becoming a victim of crime is now a normal, everyday part of life for teenagers," said Judith Edwards, Strategic Development Manager at Victim Support. "That's not an acceptable situation. We must reach out and help those young people get the support they need - if not, they may turn to offending as our own research suggests. We hope this new website will be part of the solution."

New resources help teachers raise awareness of the impact of crime

The charity Victim Support today launches new guidance and classroom resources to help raise awareness of crime among young people and promote personal safety. The free Education resource pack is targeted at teachers and youth workers. It focuses on crimes most likely to affect young people such as bullying, street crime and violence. It includes lesson plans, role-play exercises and other activities and supports National Curriculum Key Stages 2 and 3. The pack is flexible enough to be used in classrooms, after school clubs or even by young people on their own.

According to Victim Support's own research, around half of 11-16 year olds are victims of crime every year. "School can be dangerous place for many children," says the charity's Strategic Development Manager, Judith Edwards. "This pack will help children learn about keeping safe as well as the impact of crime on different people. Crucially, they will also learn that they are not alone if they, too, fall victim to crime."

The launch of the resource pack follows the publication of Victim Support's Hoodie or goodie? report on 10 October, which found a clear link between victimisation and offending in young people and suggested ways in which 'the cycle of violence' can be broken.

The Education resource pack can be downloaded from the charity's revamped website for young people at www.are-you-ok.org.uk.

Hoodie or goodie? New research reveals ways to break the cycle of violence among young people

New research published by the charity Victim Support today (10 October 2007) reveals a complex cycle of violent crime among young people that challenges pre-conceived ideas that young people are simply either victims or offenders. The report Hoodie or goodie? shows that certain attitudes and risk factors can influence whether or not young people are likely to commit violent acts, be on the receiving end, or indeed fall into both categories. It suggests that tackling these lifestyle factors could help reduce levels of violence among the young.

The research project was carried out for the charity by BMRB Social Research. It included a review of previous research into violence among young people followed by interviews and workshops with young people aged from 14 to 18 and with adults who work with them. The researchers looked for common factors or differences between different groups of young people who had carried out violence, been a victim, or both. They also examined whether or not there were consistent ways in which victims turned into offenders and vice versa.

Among the key findings, the study found that:

Victims can become offenders because of their experience. Causes could include carrying out retaliation on the offender, or against others in a displaced show of strength or emotion. Victims might also make friends with offenders to seek protection, particularly if they were socially isolated, but this could then lead to them committing offences themselves.
Offenders can often become victims of violence. This is because they are at risk of retaliation and are also unlikely to be protected by adults in authority.
Many of the risk factors that increase the chances that victims will become offenders are the same as those that make it more likely that offenders will become victims. They include:
- thinking that the only way to deal with anger is through violence or that retaliatory violence is acceptable behaviour
- believing that the police would not help or that their involvement might make things worse.
Other lifestyle factors can reduce the risk that victims of violence will turn to offending. They include:
- having good family relationships
- having a positive attitude towards school
- taking part in structured activities with adult supervision, and
- having positive attitudes towards the police.

The insight the research gives into the complex inter-relationships involved in young people's experiences of violent crime should help policy makers, schools, youth workers and parents find new ways to help break the cycle of violence. The project also asked young people about their support needs and found that views were similar on how to help both victims and offenders deal with their experiences in a more positive way.

"Some of our findings might look like nothing more than common sense," said project manager Dr Harriet Beecher of Victim Support. "But, this is the first time that we have clear evidence for how the lifestyles, beliefs, attitudes and experiences of young people can help determine whether or not they behave as offenders or victims. It also demolishes the myth that young people are either 'hoodies' or 'goodies' as many clearly have experiences of being both.

"More work needs to be done by lots of different agencies to find appropriate interventions to help young people avoid violence. However, this research gives us a firm foundation for where to direct our energies. More importantly, it offers hope that some focused help, support and re-education can help break the victim/offending cycle and reduce violent behaviour among young people."

Note to editors: Also released today is a survey by the Howard League into the extent of crime against children.

Web-based survey for victims of violent crime

The National Audit Office (NAO), is an independent organisation that audits the financial statements of all government departments and agencies, and many other public bodies. It also reports to Parliament on the value for money with which these bodies have spent public money. The NAO is currently conducting a value for money study on compensating victims of violent crime. The study will cover the work of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Appeals Panel.

As part of the study, the NAO is conducting a short web-based survey of individuals who have been victims of violent crime, including both applicants to the compensation scheme and those who have not applied. They would very much like to hear the views of victims of violent crime on the compensation scheme. The survey, which will run until 10 August 2007, can be accessed at www.nao.org.uk/violentcrimesurvey. It should only take a couple of minutes.

The NAO is planning to publish the report in December 2007, and would like it to reflect the views of as many contributors as possible.

Government hears the voices of vulnerable victims

Yesterday, the Government pledged to review the No secrets guidance on protecting vulnerable adults in light of new research into the scale of elder abuse in the UK.

Victim Support and VOICE UK met with Ivan Lewis, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Care Services last week to raise concerns that the guidance was not as effective as it needs to be, particularly in terms of involving criminal justice agencies early enough in an investigation of alleged abuse.

We are delighted that this has been taken on board and have issued the attached statement in response to the minister's pledge, to the national media.

If you have any questions regarding the media statement, please get in touch with Lucy Winter, Media & PR Manager.

Anonymous registration for electors protects vulnerable

Victims of stalking and domestic violence will benefit from new legislation coming into force this week designed to protect people at risk if their details appear on the electoral register. From 1 June, those at risk can apply to their local authority in England and Wales to be registered anonymously while still being able to vote. The new regulations have been produced with guidance from organisations, including Victim Support.

The charity's Policy Manager, Joanna Perry, says: "Anonymous registration is a big step forward for people who are in fear of their safety, or even their life. We know of situations where a perpetrator has subsequently found the victim and caused considerable distress or further harm and, in some situations, killed them. It is vital that victims who live in fear are informed of the option to register anonymously and still participate in the right to vote that is available to us all."

Lynne, who suffered seven years of violence and abuse from her ex-husband, says: "My abusive ex-husband tracked me down to my new address and used to intimidate me by driving up and down the street. It never crossed my mind he may have got my details from the electoral roll. Knowing that I can now register anonymously and not lose out on the right to vote will make me, and other people in my situation, feel a lot safer."

Elections Minister, Bridget Prentice, says: "Anonymous registration allows even the most vulnerable member of society to exercise their right to vote while giving them the security and peace of mind to know their identity is being protected."

Press release - Pets and partners overtaken by cars, says new survey

New research published today (Tuesday 27 March) shows that some car owners in the UK value their four wheels more than their four-legged friends ... and for some, their cars even come before their partner! The survey has been commissioned by the national charity, Victim Support, and the windscreen repair and replacement expert, Autoglass, to find out more about the impact of car crime on its victims, and to announce their new, three-year partnership.

Ten per cent of car owners say that their car is more precious to them than their pet, and one in twenty (5%) reveal that they think more of their car than their other half. One in five (22%) say they would be 'scared' if their car were broken into or vandalised, and nearly half say they would be 'devastated' (49%) or feel 'personally violated' (47%). If their car windows were smashed as a result of crime, one in four car owners (24%) say that the first thing they would do is contact a glass replacement company, while fewer than half (45%) would call the police. Between the sexes, women are more than twice as likely as men to tell a family member or friend before doing anything else.

More than half (56%) of those surveyed say that they would cope with their experiences within a few days, but nearly one-fifth (18%) think they would need a few weeks to get over it. Over the next three years Autoglass will donate £180,000 to Victim Support, in particular for the Victim Supportline, which gives practical help, information and emotional support to victims of crime and witnesses over the phone. The much-needed funds raised from the partnership will allow Victim Support to recruit and train more volunteers to help and support even more people.

Ken Madine, Head of Fundraising at Victim Support, says: "Many people become very attached to their cars and get upset if they're broken into, or vandalised. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people become victims of car crime and as a charity, we can only help some of them. By supporting us and our national helpline, Autoglass will help us reach out to more victims, and together, we can get them back on the road and get their lives back on track".

The charity is also sharing its expertise and experience in supporting victims and witnesses through a training programme designed for Autoglass. Staff will learn how to respond sensitively to calls from distressed customers who urgently need replacement glass and windscreens, and who may have been victims of crime.

Nigel Doggett, Managing Director of Autoglass, says: "Our customer service advisors handle calls from around 700 victims of car crime every day, many of whom are understandably distressed. By partnering with Victim Support, our advisors will get expert training so that they can give every customer a world class service. And we are really pleased to be able to give this boost to the Victim Supportline, so that more victims can get support".

Statement - Young people and vulnerable witnesses get support in court

Increasing numbers of young people and witnesses at risk of intimidation are receiving help and support to help them cope with giving evidence during criminal trials. Nearly 5,000 more vulnerable and intimidated witnesses (including children and victims of domestic violence) were helped in the last twelve months by the charity's Witness Service, bringing the total to nearly 52,000. Over 28,000 young people under 18 were helped by the court-based service, which is an increase of nearly 4,000 on last year.

The Witness Service gives emotional support, practical help and answers to their questions. We know that well-supported witnesses and victims feel more relaxed and give better evidence. Staff and trained volunteers at the Witness Service give a free and confidential service to witnesses, victims, their families and friends at every criminal court in England and Wales.

Vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, including children, often have specific needs to help them cope with the court process, such as screens that shield them from the defendant, or video-link evidence, so they don't have to go into the courtroom. The Witness Service can help witnesses through the process, using 'special measures', by identifying their needs in advance, or on the day, by working closely with the police, Crown Prosecution Service and the witness care units.

This was recognised at the 2006 Justice Awards on 24 November last year. Two of the three awards won by Victim Support and the Witness Service praised the vital support that the organisation gives to young people in court. Jan Howell, a volunteer in the Young Witness Service in Greater Manchester won the award for outstanding achievement in caring for witnesses (individual). And the Young Witness Service, run by Victim Support Nottinghamshire, won the award for outstanding achievement in caring for witnesses (team).

Statement in response to Without consent: a report on the joint review of the investigation and prosecution of rape offences

By Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) and Her Majesty's Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI)

Joanna Perry, Policy Manager at Victim Support says: "We are shocked to see so many rape complaints are being recorded as 'no crime' by some police forces, especially at a time when conviction rates for rape - and confidence in the criminal justice system - are appallingly low. Many victims still say they are being treated with ignorance and scepticism by police officers, healthcare professionals and barristers. And too few victims get essential support or are confused about the issue of consent. We broadly welcome the Government's proposals. For example, the proposed change to the statutory definition of capacity to consent to sexual intercourse would encourage police and the Crown Prosecution Service to be more proactive in finding evidence and allow the system to be more flexible in the case of victims who are extremely drunk, rather than only in cases where they are unconscious.

"However, we believe that they will only go so far towards improving access to justice and support for victims of rape and sexual assault. What we want to see is the police taking all rape complaints seriously from the outset. Police training and good practice that encourages the police to take a positive approach to building rape cases is the cornerstone of achieving robust convictions and reducing the number of cases that are dismissed. Victim Support works with thousands of victims of sexual assault each year. When someone comes to us, we take them seriously right from the start.

"A change in people's attitudes - both within the criminal justice system and in wider society - is also long overdue and would lead to more rape victims having the confidence to report the crime at an earlier stage. This would increase the opportunity for gathering crucial forensic evidence. In addition, victims' health and support needs - such as emergency contraception and tests for sexually transmitted infections - must be identified and met earlier. This, in turn, is more likely to improve their ability to cope with their experiences, and their ability to engage with the criminal justice process".