About Victim Support

Victim Support Jersey was set up in 1989.  It ran for almost ten years purely on a voluntary basis, but in 1998 a paid position was created as the service had grown so much. This year we celebrate our 21st Anniversary!

We are linked with the UK organisation, however we are funded locally and we work for the people of Jersey who have been affected by crime.

Each year, we help approximately 300 victims of crime. We will telephone them and will meet up with them, if they would like us to. We make over 1000 contacts with victims every year, some of which are a quick phone call and others which are meetings lasting a number of hours.

We currently have 25 trained volunteers, working in both the community and the courts, and 2 part-time members of staff – Hazel Jury (manager) and Lauren Hamill (administrator).  There is also our Management Committee and our Fundraising Committee. If you would like to be involved please contact us.

In 2007, we were kindly given office space in the Magistrate’s Court.  This is a perfect place for us to be as we work closely with other court users to help victims of crime.  We also have a number of quiet, private rooms here which we can use for meetings with victims and witnesses. Our rooms are available Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 5.00pm, although our volunteers can meet up outside of these hours and in other locations, whatever is best for you. Simply contact us and we will arrange for a volunteer to meet with you.

 

How we work

Generally, we recieve our referrals from the police.  The officer recording your statement should mention you will be referred to us - this will happen unless you say you don't want to be. Otherwise, anyone can contact us and ask to have a volunteer call them. We also get referrals from other people, for example Doctors and other agencies.

When we have your name and phone number, the office staff pass this to one of our trained volunteers who will give you a call. You can chat to them on the phone or you can ask for a meeting. They will continue to support you, both emotionally and practically,  until you don't need us anymore.

Witness Service

Witness Service was set up in 2008, when Victim Support recognised the need to have someone specifically trained in helping witnesses who have to go to court. The court process can appear complicated, but, thanks to Witness Service, there is someone to help explain it! We offer information on court procedures and will show you round the courts before you have to go as a witness. We also have our DVD – please contact us if you would like to see it!

 

Did Victim Support help you?

If so, we would love to hear from you. We would appreciate it if we could put some stories on our website to encourage other victims of crime who may be struggling to come forward for help. We would, of course, protect your privacy by changing names and places. If you have a story please email it to us.

Likewise, if you think we could improve our services, please contact us with any suggestions.