Supporting victims
As local commissioners of support services for victims of crime, Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are working hard to deliver the professional and practical help victims need to cope and recover from these traumatising experiences. This includes developing unique and innovative approaches to victims’ support services. They also advocate on behalf of victims, engaging directly with those with lived experience, and those that support them, to deliver improvements that build confidence in policing and the justice system and encourage future reporting.
Your voice Your police: Operation Provide video:
Hear how victims of domestic abuse are receiving immediate support from specialist advisors, thanks to a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) funded scheme.
"I love helping people and getting positive outcomes for victims. I think somebody to walk alongside them when they've been through that, it's vital really."
Victims advocacy is at the heart of everything PCCs do. Find out what services your PCC is commissioning to support victims of crime, and vote in the upcoming election on 2 May.
Victims of sexual assault offered place of calm and safety by police and crime commissioner-funded service:
The Angel Centre, a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), has quickly become one of the leading providers of specialist support in the country. The service fully considers the needs of an individual and particular care is taken to avoid retraumatising victims.
Tucked away in an unidentified location with its own peaceful garden, the Angel Centre has been developed with input from survivors, as well as health and emergency services, including NHS England, who helped fund the new centre.
And with support from the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Angel Centre means more victims are choosing to come forward. Since November 2023, 349 people used the service, and of these, 240 were referred by the police. This is a significant uplift in use of sexual assault services in the area.
The Centre needs to be right for people who have been through a traumatic experience. It offers a discreet comfortable environment, specialist support and evidence gathering. As well as providing support to cope and recover from a terrible experience, people arriving at the Angel Centre are offered a forensic medical examination if there is evidence to be gathered, even if they don’t want to prosecute. A lot of thought and hard work has gone into ensuring the Angel Centre is somewhere survivors feel safe and comfortable as they embark on their journey to recovery.
Kate Davies CBE, NHS England’s National Director of Health and Justice, Armed Forces and Sexual Assault Services Commissioning said: “Whilst I hope that no one will ever have to use a SARC, for people who have experienced recent or non-recent sexual assault, and abuse or rape, these services are here for them.
“It can take a lot to pick up the phone and take that first step – SARCs are available at any time of day or night, and will support individuals through the whole process, whatever they decide to do. The Angel Centre is no exception and has worked tirelessly with people who have lived experience to ensure a safe space is provided to those who need it.”
Emma Collinson from Mountain Healthcare is the manager of the Angel Centre. She said: “The new build has improved victim experience in a multitude of ways. The Angel Centre provides a warm, welcoming environment.
“It provides a confidential and safe place to attend, with disability access and good car parking. We also have the addition of an aftercare suite, which provides a relaxing comfortable space to complete patient care.”