Support for victims of crime
Victim support - Helping people cope with crime
Becoming a victim of crime can be a distressing and traumatic experience and people who suddenly find themselves in threatening situations can find it difficult to adjust back to normal life.
Often just by talking about the experience and being around others who understand, it can help victims come to terms with their feelings and the ordeals they have been through.
Victim Support is an independent national charity that offers emotional and practical help to all victims and witnesses of crime. Teams of specially trained volunteers offer free, confidential support and information to victims of all crimes such as burglary, assault, robbery and theft.
There are also more experienced volunteers trained to help victims in cases of violent crimes such as rape and sexual assault, domestic violence, racial harassment and helping relatives of murder victims with their bereavement.
There are a variety of Victim Support schemes located all around the country with three branches in Leicester, Leicesershire, Hinckley and Melton.
Victim Support - Leicestershire South
Amity House
6 Hollier's Walk
Hinckley LE10 1QW
01455 233 544
Victim Support - Leicestershire Central
Market Centre Offices
11 Market Place
The Jetty
Leicester LE1 5GG
0116 253 0101
Victim Support - Leicestershire North
3A Park Road
Melton Mowbray LE13 1TT
01664 411 700
There is also a helpline which is available Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am to 8pm on 0116 255 6628.
For many victims and witnesses it can be an extra worry to attend court and give evidence. There is also a Victim Support Witness Service based at Leicester Crown and Magistrates Courts, where trained volunteers will support victims and witnesses while they are at court.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like help or support after your experiences, contact your local Victim Support branch or your nearest police station, who will put you in touch with the organisation.
You can also call the Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900 between 9am - 9pm on weekdays and 9am - 7pm on weekends and bank holidays.
