THE WEST Mercia Victim Advice Line (VAL) has celebrated its fifth anniversary, having dealt with more than 259,000 cases and supporting over 20,000 victims on their way to recovery.
The free and confidential victim support service, provided through West Mercia Police, is for anyone who has seen, knows of someone, or has themselves been a first-hand victim of crime, regardless of whether they reported it to the police.
Immediate support is provided, including access to other services, such as sexual and domestic abuse help.
The VAL’s experts and fully-trained care coordinators work with victims to understand exactly what kind of help and support they need.
A brief YouTube video -– which can be viewed on this story on our website – explains what the VAL is all about. In December, the Victim Advice Line was acknowledged for its high standard of care and support as it was awarded with the nationally-recognised ‘Victims Choice Quality Mark’, which recognised the support the ‘highly skilled’ team provided.
Feedback from victims supported by the service so far has been unanimously positive.
One victim helped by the VAL in December said: “Georgia was incredible, always made sure it was safe to speak first and then made sure I was OK emotionally before starting to ask further questions.”
Another said: “Excellent support. I was worried my case wasn’t worthy of support even though I was struggling but I was never made to feel like that.”
Matt Chester, West Mercia Police’s head of victim services, said: “As we reach the fifth anniversary of the Victim Advice Line, I feel a sense of immense pride towards all the staff and volunteers who have done such as important job in helping victims get the support they need.
“Our team are experienced in helping people from all walks of life, regardless of the nature of the crime they’ve been affected by and whether they’ve chosen to contact the police or not.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with our local communities to continue to deliver this important service.”
Anyone who has been a victim of crime can call 0800 952 3000, email [email protected] or visit victimadviceline.org.uk to get free and confidential help and support.Head to victim adviceline.org.uk/specialist-service/ for a directory of support services across Worcestershire.
