No, we can provide support even if the crime hasn’t been reported. If reporting the incident is something you want to do, we can support this process too.

Whilst we can provide advice on the right avenues/services to contact, we cannot directly assist with a house move or help increase your priority banding.

Unfortunately we can’t provide financial assistance but can direct you to the appropriate services

Our support is impartial to the criminal investigation. However, if safeguarding concerns are raised we do have a duty of care to report this.

Yes, face to face meetings can be arranged if it will benefit you in getting support.

Yes, we have access to an Interpreter Service who can assist us with speaking to you.

Yes, we are able to link in with the officer to try and obtain the information or request contact. You can get in touch with NVWS on 0800 011 3116 or email nvws@northumbria.police.uk.

If you live outside of the Northumbria area, we can organise travel and accommodation for you. If you live within the Northumbria area, you may still be entitled to claim travel expenses. You may also be entitled to claim expenses for loss of earnings, childcare and refreshments.

We are able to supply a letter to your employer outlining the statutory requirement to attend court.

Compensation is awarded by the court in certain cases.  In cases of violence, you may be able to obtain compensation under the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme. This will take into account the amount awarded (and collected) by the criminal court. You can find more information on https://www.gov.uk/claim-compensation-criminal-injury.

In some circumstances a person who has suffered loss or injury can take proceedings against the person responsible in the civil courts. For further information, you can contact the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Our trained Victim & Witness officers can discuss options available to you.

Yes, a child victim/witness is entitled to take along 2 people for support. Adult victim/witnesses are entitled to take along 1 person for support, however this can be discussed with your Victim & Witness Support Officer if you wish to take more than 1 or 2 people.

No, each case is represented by a lawyer/or barrister from the Crown Prosecution Service to act on your behalf.

You will have an opportunity to speak to the lawyer/barrister when you arrive at court. If there is anything you wish to raise prior to the court date, please contact your NVWS case worker.

We will make every effort to minimise contact with the defendant. Your NVWS worker may be able to apply for special measures that would allow you to be hidden from view in court, or to give your evidence remotely via TV link. If you do need to attend court in person, every court has a separate dedicated prosecution witness waiting area.