Justice Secretary Jack Straw has announced a new service that will offer one-to-one support to the families of murder and manslaughter victims.

Victim Support will operate nationwide after £2 million of government funding was injected into the new service for this financial year – and next year, £8.5 million will be set aside for the new service.

The Law Gazette reports that all bereaved families of victims of murder or manslaughter will be offered help from an individual support worker, who will assess the family for specialist emotional, practical and financial assistance, including legal assistance and help with the effects of post traumatic stress disorder.

The support workers will liaise with criminal justice agencies on behalf of families affected, keeping their clients up-to-date with developments in the case – and continuing to offer support after the sentencing of those responsible for the murder or manslaughter of their loved ones.

Speaking at the launch, Mr Straw said:

‘Losing a loved one is a traumatic and life-changing experience. It is therefore imperative that effective support systems are created to help bereaved families through this terrible time.’

Around 3,000 people lose a loved one through violence every year – there are 800 murders in England and Wales annually. Victim Support and other charities offering assistance to those bereaved through violence receive a total of £36 million in government funding every year.

©5r1 Limited 2009