Victim Support responds to new crime and justice figures released today from the Office of National Statistics:

“While crime levels remain lower than a decade ago, millions of people continue to be harmed – and the impact on victims is life-changing.

The sharp rise in fraud cases is particularly alarming. These crimes don’t just drain bank accounts – they destroy trust, damage mental health and leave victims feeling ashamed and alone.

We know from our work delivering the National Homicide Service just how devastating homicide is for families and communities, the trauma and grief can be profound and long-lasting. It is therefore encouraging to see that homicide levels are at their lowest since 2003, offering a glimmer of hope in what remains a deeply painful area of crime.

Victim Support provides free, confidential help to anyone affected by crime, whether or not they’ve reported to the police. But rising demand and funding cuts are pushing victims’ services to crisis point. If the Government is serious about supporting victims, it must urgently reverse recent cuts and invest in long-term, sustainable funding for these vital services.”