Horizon
What we do
At the centre of Wiltshire and Swindon’s model of support services is Horizon Victim and Witness care, who provide support to all victims of crime.
Horizon also offers Restorative Services through their Restorative Together initiative.
How can we help?
- A dedicated Victim and Witness Care Officer to victims of crime identified as most vulnerable
- Support and guidance throughout the criminal investigation process
- Simplified process for victims
- Greater level of co-ordinated end-to-end care for victims who need it most
- A schedule of contact between the victim and Wiltshire Police - victims will be able to say when and how they wish to be contacted
- Signposting to relevant national and local services where appropriate
- Improved quality of outcomes for victims and witnesses, working closely with key partner agencies
- If you require further practical and emotional help, we can refer you on to Victim Support.
Support services
Support for young victims of crime
Splash Wiltshire (communityfirst.org.uk)
Splash provides support for Wiltshire young victims of crime aged under 18 years. Splash is designed to work with young victims of crime over a sustained period of time to help them to cope and recover from their experience of crime.
Children’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre
The Bridge - Help after rape and sexual assault (thebridgecanhelp.org.uk)
The Bridge is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). We offer medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted. Our specialist team will be here for you if you are a child living in Wiltshire or Swindon.
Our 24/7/365 telephone number is: 0117 342 6999 (speak to a crisis worker)
Email: [email protected]
Web: https://www.thebridgecanhelp.org.uk/
Support for adult victims of crime
Victim Support - Help and support
Victim Support provides support to victims of crime who are over the age of 18.
Partnerships
In partnership, the PCC also funds the following victim services:
Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
The Swindon and Wiltshire Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) - First Light
Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA)
ISVAs provide support to victims of any age who have experienced rape or sexual harm. This can be for an offence that occurred in the past or recently. This service is inclusive and specialist support is available depending on victim needs, for example young victims or for male victims.
Independent Domestic Abuse Advocacy (IDVA)
IDVAs provide support to victims over 16 who have experienced Domestic Abuse. This can be for offences that have taken place in the past or recently. This service is inclusive and specialist support is available depending on victim needs, for example young victims or for male victims.
In October 2014, Police and Crime Commissioners were given the responsibility for delivering non-specialist services to victims of crime. Horizon Victim and Witness Care was established to ensure that every victim of crime benefits from the best possible integrated support service according to their needs.
The Team
Who works for Horizon Victim and Witness Care?
The team comprises one supervisor and 15 members of specially trained staff. We are based at the headquarters of Wiltshire Police in Devizes.
Horizon Victim and Witness Care staff members work closely with a wide network of services and partner agencies to provide support and guidance. This allows us to jointly deliver the best possible service to victims and witnesses when they need it most.
Partnership working is fundamental to the shared vision for the future: a co-ordinated, consistent end-to-end service for victims, from their first point of contact with Wiltshire Police, throughout their criminal justice journey.
