Justice Secretary Jack Straw has unveiled a National Victims’ Network that will offer tailored support to victims of crime and antisocial behaviour.

The service aims to reinforce the idea that the justice system is ‘firmly on the side of the law abiding citizen’ – as well as offering personalised, one-to-one support to those who have been bereaved or injured as a result of crime or antisocial behaviour. The system will also provide clear universal entitlements to all victims of crime.

Latest figures form the British Crime Survey show that crime rates are continuing to fall, bucking previous recession trends.

The new National Victims’ Service is a core plank of the Government’s wider strategy to protect the core public services which the public depend on, while at the same time making them more personalised to meet people’s needs. 

The system also builds on range of measures to support for victims of crime, which the government has introduced over the last decade. These include a victims’ champion, victim personal statements in court, a victims’ advisory panel and a threefold increase in funding for voluntary victims’ services.

The National Victims’ Service will be delivered in partnership with Victim Support, with funding dedicated to the delivery of more specialist support through other specialist victims’ organisations.

Speaking at the launch on Wednesday (27/01/10), Prime Minister Gordon Brown said:

‘The Government has worked hard to cut crime – with real results. The most recent crime figures show that we are continuing to cut crime, in marked contrast to previous recessions.

‘Today the UK has a record number of police officers, a Neighbourhood Police Team in every area, longer prison sentences and tough Community Payback for those who don't go to prison.

‘The chance of being a victim is the lowest since records began – but every victim still needs support and today's plans for the new National Victims’ Service shows our determination that punishment and reform for offenders is combined with the best possible support for victims.’

Justice Secretary Jack Straw called the establishing of the £8 million National Victims’ Service ‘a defining moment’.

‘It will make sure that victims across England and Wales are provided with even greater personal support throughout the criminal justice process and beyond. If victims need help, we will continue to be there for them – for as long as they need it.’

The service will assist all those referred by the police – and from March, the first stage will begin helping families bereaved by murder or manslaughter.

The service will provide intensive support, care and attention tailored to their individual needs, beyond the conclusion of any investigation or trial. Victims will also be given a named, dedicated support worker, who will meet with them regularly to identify their needs and liaise with the authorities on their behalf. 

Immediate practical assistance – security, childcare or making bill payments – will also be available. Emotional support and expert assistance will also be offered where needed, including counselling or legal and financial advice.  

From 1 April, the National Victims’ Service will be rolled out for all victims of crime across England and Wales. The most vulnerable victims will be entitled to rapid contact to establish their support needs 7 days a week.

A one-to-one professional case worker will provide immediate emotional support, as well as pulling together public sector agencies and third sector providers to respond to their needs across housing, health, employment, social services and other areas.

From July this year, all victims of crime will also be entitled to one dedicated point of contact who will guide them through the criminal justice system and who will remain in contact until they no longer need help.

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