We have a dedicated team of Victims and Witness Support Officers who are all trained in supporting victims of crime based on their individual needs. We are skilled and empathetic listeners and if we identify that additional specialist support is needed we can connect you to the right organisation to meet your cope and recovery needs.
All support is free and confidential.. You don’t have to have reported the incident to the Police to receive support from us and we can help with all kinds of things from practical and emotional support, to support through court and beyond, access to restorative choice and options and anything else we can help with to help empower you to cope, recover and move on.
All of our staff receive training in safeguarding for adults and children, domestic abuse, equality and diversity, risk assessment and data protection as standard
We have staff who are trained in specialist areas, for example
Domestic Abuse
“As DV champion, i currently provide support to victims of domestic violence. I establish close links with other specialist Domestic Violence services. I will continually look to identify appropriate support to assist victims of DV to move forward and escape abusive relationships.”
Hate Crime
“I have extensive experience of dealing with clients who have experienced hate crime and with the families of these victims. The issues surrounding communities suceptible to hate crime are often complex and I aim to provide support and direct them to appropriate support.”
Children and Young People
“I focus on victims of crime under the age of 18, including communication with families/carers. Individual support and outreach sessions are provided within the local community, schools and colleges to some of our most vulnerable members of society.”
Stalking & Harassment
“As stalking and harassment champion i am working on developing support for victims, looking at new ways to improve preventative measures and support options available”
As well as our victim and witness support officers we have a team of trained volunteers who can provide support from anyone who needs a listening ear or to bridge any gaps between any other support commencing.
We believe it is important to survey staff about their development and in a recent staff survey, 85% of staff said they were very satisfied with their role.
Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA’s)
We have 5 ISVAS who are all trained to support victims of serious sexual assaults and rape.
You don’t have to have reported the incident to the Police to receive support.
We also have a member of staff who is trained as a ChISVA – A Childrens Independent Sexual Violence Advisor and a specialist LGBTQ+ ISVA.
“The Sexual Violence Champion role focuses upon supporting individuals who have experienced sexual violence / abuse at any stage in their life. Support is individually tailored to provide practical and emotional support to empower victims to cope and recover from their experiences. As a qualified Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) within the Champion role, I am passionate about raising awareness of Sexual Violence throughout Northumbria and liaising with key partners to provide essential support to some of the most vulnerable individuals within our communities.”
Mental Health
We are glad to say our volunteer co-ordinator Krysia is also now trained as a mental health first aider through St Johns Ambulance, meaning staff can be supported at work for any issues that arise.
