Victim Support helps people cope with the effects of crime. Victim Support do this by providing confidential support and information to victims of crime and to witnesses attending local courts.
Services are free, independent of the police and courts, and available to everyone, whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened.
If you would like to use Victim Support's services, please contact Victim Support's national telephone support line - Victim Support line - on 0845 30 30 900.
Help for victims
Trained local volunteers offer:
- someone to talk to in confidence
- information on police and court procedures
- liaison with other organisations on your behalf
- information about compensation and insurance matters
- contact with other sources of help.
You can contact Victim Support directly for help, and if you report a crime to the police they will also offer to put you in contact with the service.
Help for witnesses
Victim Support's Witness Service offers information and support to witnesses, victims, their families and friends in every criminal court in Essex. Trained staff and volunteers offer:
- someone to talk to in confidence
- a visit to the court and a look round a court room (where possible)
- information about court procedures
- a quiet place to wait before and during the hearing
- someone to accompany you into the court room when giving evidence
- practical help, for example, with expense forms
- to put you in touch with people who can answer specific questions about the case (the Witness Service cannot discuss evidence or offer legal advice)
- a chance to talk over the case when it has ended and to get more help or information.
Victim Support Essex
Suite 4
The Chequers
High Street
Ingatestone
Essex CM4 0DG
tel: 0845 456 4454
or telephone Victim Support - West Essex on 01279 641074