30:30 vision

Our key principles

Victim Support provides information, practical help and emotional support to people who have experienced a crime, and to their families and friends. Our services are based on the principle of community involvement - for many people, the expression of concern by a fellow citizen can be very helpful in repairing the harm done by crime. We try to ensure that our volunteers reflect the diversity of the communities in which they work and that our services are equally accessible to all.

Every criminal court in England and Wales now has a Witness Service, managed by Victim Support. Trained staff and volunteers help victims, witnesses and their families and friends at court by familiarising them with the court before the hearing, supporting on the day, giving information about court procedures, and arranging further help after court.

"We have not just copied what has been done in the UK, but the examples you have offered have provided direction, and the belief that if you could do it, then so could we expect to. We, and the victims of South Africa owe you a debt of enormous thanks." Dave Spindler and Zuzelle Pretorius Victim Support South Africa

"Without the Witness Service, I could not have gone on … I would have walked out of the court. My family and friends were there to support me, but I was also very grateful to have somebody there who knew their way around the system." Rachel, Lincoln