We are Victim Support
We are the national charity giving free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses, their family, friends and anyone else affected across England and Wales. We also speak out as a national voice for victims and witnesses and campaign for change.
We are not a government agency or part of the police and you don't have to report a crime to the police to get our help. You can call us any time after the crime has happened, whether it was yesterday, last week or several years ago.
We have offices throughout England and Wales and we run the Witness Service in every criminal court.
Call our Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900 to get help now.
Help for victims
If you've been a victim of any crime or have been affected by a crime committed against someone you know, we can help you find the strength to deal with what you've been through.
Our services are free and available to everyone, whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened. We are not part of the police, the courts or any other criminal justice agency.
Our trained volunteers offer:
- someone to talk to in confidence
- information on police and court procedures
- help in dealing with other organisations
- information about compensation and insurance
- information on other sources of help
Help for witnesses
If you have witnessed a crime we can help you to cope with going to court by giving you information and support. Your family and friends who are attending court can get help too and we support witnesses for both the prosecution and defence. We also provide comprehensive support to children at court.
The Witness Service can give you:
- someone to talk to confidentially, about how you're feeling before a trial
- information about what to expect in court, including a chance to see the court beforehand and learn about court procedures
- a quiet place to wait before you are called to give evidence
- someone to go with you into the courtroom if you want, to help you feel more at-ease
- practical help (for example with claiming your expenses)
- easier access to people, such as court staff, who can answer specific questions about the case
- a chance to talk over the case when it has ended and to get more help or information.
Address:
Suite 4 The Chequers, High Street, Ingatestone, Essex, CM4 0DG