Working For Victims of Crime

Anyone can become a victim of crime.

People react to crime in many ways. Although most victims don’t suffer long term harm, both adults and children can be seriously affected. And, at Victim Support, we recognise that a crime committed against someone you know can affect you - we will help anyone affected by crime, whether they are a direct victim or not.

People who have suffered a crime may need practical information and advice or simply someone to talk to.

You do not need to have reported your crime to the police to talk to us.

Typical reactions can be:

‘Since the burglary, no matter how many times I’ve cleaned the flat, it doesn’t feel the same.’

‘I keep thinking I see the person who attacked me walking down the street towards me.’

‘I’m so worried about going to court and having to face it all again.’

‘We didn’t know whether we could claim any kind of compensation.’

What can Victim Support offer me?

Someone to talk to in confidence:

You can safely discuss your fears, worries and hopes with one of our volunteers – they will not judge you or tell you what to do. They will listen and listen, and will do their best to help you come to terms with what has happened to you.  Sometimes having someone who doesn’t know you, and doesn’t know anything about you can be very freeing – they are there exclusively for you to talk to.  When you feel able to move on after Victim Support, you never have to speak with them again if you don’t want to!  The only person they will discuss your case with will be the scheme manager or administrator – this is our policy so that we ensure you are getting the best help possible.      

Information on States and Honorary police and court procedures:

The Police and Court procedures can be very confusing, especially if you haven’t needed to use them before.  Our volunteers are trained on what happens once a crime is reported to the police and what happens within the Judiciary system.  Of course every case if different - we can find out specifically about your case, advising you of what has happened with the accused, and we can explain the court and police terminology.

Liaison with other organisations and agencies on behalf of victims:

Victim Support will happily help you in whatever way we can – should that be referring you to another agency who is better placed to help, or finding out what agencies there are to suit your needs.  We will speak with other agencies on your behalf, e.g. housing and social security, should your circumstances have changed as a result of the crime.

Information on Criminal Injuries Compensation:

Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (Jersey) allows any victim of a crime which has happened in Jersey to claim compensation for their injuries.  Injuries can be both physical and psychological.  Victim Support will help you fill in the form and will act as your representative, if you so wish.

Victim Support can arrange for volunteers to accompany people to parish halls, the police station, to court, to legal aid, medical appointments or other agencies when needed:

If you need support while making your statement to the police, one of our Volunteers will happily go along with you.   Likewise if you are called to court as a witness, or even if you want to go to court or to Parish Hall to see your offender sentenced, our volunteer will go with you.  They may even go on your behalf, so you have a first hand account of what happened.

If you would like information on the Probation and After-Care service:

Please visit their website: www.probation.je.  Here you will find information on what the service offers to victims and how they work to reduce the risk of repeat offending.