There are a number of possible volunteering opportunities for those wishing to work with victims. (It is worth noting that offenders are also often victims!) Victim Support is the national charity which helps victims of crime. This might include visiting victims in their homes in an attempt to help them cope with the after effects of the crime or supporting them through the distress and fear of the court process.

WHAT?

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

Victim Support are responsible for the development of a network of Witness Support services that has been rapidly expanding to cover both crown and magistrates courts. Volunteers, based with Crown Court Witness Services, give information and support to victims and witnesses attending trials. This service will need to recruit a large number of volunteers.

WHO?

Volunteers should be understanding and 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 volunteers who wish to work with people who have suffered serious crimes like women victims of sexual violence and families of murder victims.

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 of Victim Support activities ring their national office on 020 7735 9166 or email info@victimsupport.org.uk for more information and a referral to your local scheme.

The section on Restorative Justice gives more ideas of how to be involved with victim support.