VS responds to ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales

21 April 2016

Victim Support responds to statistics from the ONS Crime Survey for England and Wales: year ending December 2015.

Lucy Hastings, director for independent charity Victim Support (VS), said:

“While the apparent increase in the reporting and better recording of crime is to be welcomed, these figures remain a serious cause for concern.

“In particular, almost half of the 29% increase in recorded sexual crimes is related to sexual offences against children and every police force in the country has recorded a rise in violent crime. Added to the fact that our own research tells us people with a limiting disability or illness are at much greater risk of violence, it is clear that more needs to be done to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.

“Above all we must not forget that while crime figures overall may be falling, there were still 6.4 million victims of crime last year. That is 6.4 million people who may have been deeply emotionally, physically or psychologically affected by their experience.”

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Notes to editors

Whether or not a victim of crime wants to report their ordeal, Victim Support is here to help and is entirely independent of the police. Our expert staff and trained volunteers offer practical and emotional support to all victims of crime.

Crime victims can come to us for free and confidential advice and support, by calling our Supportline team on 08 08 16 89 111 or getting in touch via our website victimsupport.org.uk.