There are a number of possible volunteering opportunities for those wanting to work with victims and witnesses of crime. Victim Support is the national charity which helps both victims and witnesses. (It is worth noting that offenders are often also victims!)

What?

The principal use of volunteers is in providing local support services to victims. 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 often need help in order to recover.

Victim Support are responsible for the development of a network of Witness Support services that has been expanded to cover both Crown and Magistrates courts. Volunteers, based with Crown and Magistrates Courts Witness Services, give information and support to victims and witnesses attending trials. This service often needs to recruit volunteers.

Who?

Volunteers should be understanding and be good listeners, who can get on with people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds. Anyone can apply and no previous experience of this kind of work is necessary.

All volunteers are given training before they help victims, with further, specialised training available for those who volunteer to work with people who have suffered from serious crime, such as victims of sexual violence and families of murder victims.

"When I visit victims I feel a great sense of satisfaction, seeing them regaining control of their lives, helping empower them to move on and gain strength from knowing that someone is interested in their pain, sorrow and anger and above all that someone is listening"
A Victim Support volunteer

Some volunteers work several hours a week, while others offer occasional help. Volunteer visitors can work during the day, or in the evenings or at weekends; Court volunteers need to be free to work during the day.

How?

For further details activities, and local opportunities for volunteering contact Victim Support (See Addresses).