VS launches new online support resource for victims of crime in London

1 April 2020

Update 1 May 2020: As a result of the Coronavirus My Support Space is now available to all victims of crime in England and Wales. Access My Support Space today. 

 

Victim Support’s new online support resource, My Support Space, has launched today for victims of crime in London.

My Support Space is designed to help victims of crime manage the impact that crime has had on them. It is a free, safe, secure and confidential space where they can choose how they want to be supported after crime.

The launch of My Support Space is particularly timely, as it gives victims of crime who have been impacted by the coronavirus outbreak additional ways in which to access support, including from their own home. It can be accessed on a computer, tablet or phone.

Victims can access a range of tools to help them cope and move forward after crime. They can work through a series of interactive guides which address their specific needs. The guides feature videos, techniques, activities and tips that can be completed at their own pace.

Find out more about My Support Space by watching this short animation

Diana Fawcett, Chief Executive at Victim Support said:

Victim Support is committed to ensuring that victims of crime receive effective support in a way that works for them. We are delighted to launch My Support Space as it offers another way in which victims of crime can seek support, even when self-isolating.

Guides on My Support Space include topics such as difficult emotions, coping strategies, trauma and sleep. These are all common issues that people may experience after crime, but are even more important during the coronavirus pandemic, as victims find the justice process essentially paused.

Claire Waxman, London’s Independent Victims’ Commissioner said:

I am delighted to see Victim Support launching this new resource for victims of crime in London. I have long highlighted the need for services to be responsive to the changing needs of victims throughout their journey, and so I welcome the introduction of this portal.

We know this is a difficult time for everyone, and this is even more pronounced for victims, with isolation aggravating poor mental health and some forced into continued contact with an abuser. Having support available online and in a discreet way is now more important than ever, and the My Support Space will undoubtedly help a lot of people.

Victims of crime in London who receive support from the London Victim and Witness Service (LVWS) run by Victim Support, can now seek support using My Support Space, on the LVWS website, through LiveChat, or on the phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Notes

  1. Victim Support also runs a free and confidential Supportline allowing victims to access support 24/7. This can be reached on 08 08 16 89 111 or online on the VS website.
  2. The London Victim and Witness Service website can be found at londonvws.org.uk
  3. The link to access My Support Space is sent out to victims of crime via text message or letter. It can also be accessed by the LVWS website.