Background information for job applicants
Victim Support is the national charity for victims of crime. We help people to cope with the and give them support and information to help them deal with their experience. We also promote victims' and witnesses' rights in criminal justice and social policy and lobby the government to introduce policies that take their needs into account.
Each year we offer our help to around one and a half million people who have been affected by crime. This help is provided through a network of local branches across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. (There are separate organisations covering Scotland and the Republic of Ireland). Our staff and volunteers are trained to give emotional support, information and practical help to people who have suffered the effects of all kinds of crime - from burglary to the murder of a relative.
We also run the Witness Service, in every criminal court in England and Wales. Staff and volunteers provide support and information about the court process to witnesses, victims and their families when they go to court.
Anyone affected by crime can also contact the Victim Supportline - a national local rate telephone number. Staff and volunteers offer support and information to victims and witnesses of crime anonymously and in complete confidence. We can also put people in touch with local Victim Support services and other relevant organisations if required.
More than 15,000 people work for Victim Support, 93% of them as volunteers.
Victim Support:
- offers a free and comprehensive service to anyone who has suffered a crime
- works for the rights of victims, witnesses and their families and for greater awareness of the
- is a registered charity
- is a completely independent organisation, but has close working relationships with many other voluntary and statutory services
- is funded by the Home Office and through charitable fundraising.
The National Office of Victim Support:
- has around 120 staff, mainly at its office in South London. The Victim Supportline and the 12 London Crown Court Witness Services are also managed from the National Office.
- supports and develops the work of local branches, raises awareness and recognition of the effects of crime, and promotes victims' rights.
