Victim Support Hampshire & Isle of Wight offers emotional and practical support to all who are affected by crime through our community and court services.
Our services are free, confidential, independent of the police and courts, and available to everyone, whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened. There is no waiting list for our services and access is immediate
If you would like to use our services, please contact your nearest community office or court. We also produce a number of leaflets which you may find useful.
If you prefer, you can contact Victim Support's national Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900.
A new mini website, www.are-you-ok.org.uk is currently being developed to allow Children and Young People access to information and support, and should be completed in Autumn 2007.
If are interested in working for Victim Support please take a look at our current vacancies.
Help for victims
Our trained local volunteers offer:
- someone to talk to in confidence
- information on police and court procedures
- liaison with other organisations on your behalf
- information about compensation and insurance matters
- contact with other sources of help.
You can contact us directly for help, and if you report a crime to the police they will also offer to put you in contact with us.
Help for witnesses
Our Witness Service offers information and support to witnesses, victims, their families and friends in every criminal court in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Our trained staff and volunteers offer:
- someone to talk to in confidence
- a visit to the court and a look round a court room (where possible)
- information about court procedures
- a quiet place to wait before and during the hearing
- someone to accompany you into the court room when giving evidence
- practical help, for example, with expense forms
- to put you in touch with people who can answer specific questions about the case (the Witness Service cannot discuss evidence or offer legal advice)
- a chance to talk over the case when it has ended and to get more help or information.
We also provide a service to vulnerable and intimidated witnesses.