New advice line for victims of crime in Shropshire

The new service is being set up as part of West Mercia police and crime commissioner John Campion's efforts to help victims receive a more consistent service.

The Victim Advice Line will provide free and confidential help, and will launch on April 1.

Mr Campion said: “We carried out a consultation with victims to ask them what they wanted from a support service. So, in order to make sure we could do that, we needed to make some fundamental changes.

“The Victim Advice Line will look at an individual and make sure they’re getting the level of support they need. By doing this we hope to give victims greater confidence and satisfaction that will help in moving forward with their life.

“The service will also allow better multi-agency working, such as with the police and other support services, which will ensure victims are supported throughout the entire criminal justice system from the very beginning of their journey through to the end.

"Whilst the VAL will take the initial referral, dependent on the type of crime and level and length of support required, they may then be referred onto specialist providers such as Victim Support, Axis, West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre or Women’s Aid.”

Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans said: “I have been working closely with the PCC’s office for a number of months and I am delighted to see that the new Victim Advice Line will be going live in a month’s time. West Mercia strives to put victims at the heart of what we do and the support that the Victim Advice Line will provide alongside us will be invaluable.

“The majority of staff that will be working within the Victim Advice Line already have a great deal of experience in supporting victims of crime and their enthusiasm and determination to provide the best service possible is very clear to see.”