About us
Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity. We are dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales and we put them at the heart of our organisation.
We provide free, confidential emotional support and practical help, and provide specialist support services for people affected by domestic abuse; sexual violence; child sexual exploitation; hate crime; terrorism; homicide; antisocial behaviour; and fraud. Our services are free and available to everyone, whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened.
Our purpose is to provide specialist help and services, to support people to cope and recover until they feel they are back on track with their lives. We work with clients in a way that suits them and ensure their voices are heard throughout their support and beyond.
As an organisation, victims, those close to them and witnesses to crime are our focus and over the years we have developed unrivalled expertise as to their needs and aspirations and their journey through the criminal justice system.
We are local
Our services are delivered locally through skilled staff and volunteers who are deeply rooted in these communities. We adapt our services to meet local needs and pride ourselves on being responsive to these needs and priorities.
We are National
Our local services benefit from secure technology, consistent quality standards and the ability to share insight and best practice. Our national reach enables us to research and evaluate what works and innovate and influence based on evidence.
We are independent
We are independent from the Government, the police, local authorities and the criminal justice system. This is hugely important as we know that some victims may distrust the criminal justice system and others, particularly from minority communities or people with mental health conditions, face barriers in reporting to the police.
We work closely with all these organisations and other specialist partner agencies to achieve our new vision: A world where there are fewer victims, but have stronger rights, better support and a real influence on the criminal justice system.
Following our support
72% of people felt they were better able to cope
85% felt better informed about support and the options open to them
72% felt safer
73% said their wellbeing had improved
