What to expect from NVWS
Our specially trained victim support team can help victims and witnesses of all types of crime. Once we receive your enquiry, an Northumbria Victim & Witness Service support officer will get in touch via your preferred method of contact, whether that’s by phone, text, email or letter. Depending on your needs, we may be able to meet you face to face, following our initial contact.
How to access our service
You can get in touch directly with Northumbria Victim & Witness Service to request support or a friend or family member can get in touch with us on your behalf with your consent. The police officer in charge of your case can also refer you to Northumbria Victim & Witness Service.
Northumbria Victim & Witness Service is open: Monday to Friday, 9am to 4am
Make a request for supportChoose the support you need
Cope and Recovery
Attending Court
Restorative Justice
Frequently asked questions...
No, we can provide support after crime 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 and services to contact, Northumbria Victim & Witness Service 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 Northumbria victim 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 Northumbria Victim & Witness Service 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 here.
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.
