Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson funds a number of support services throughout Wiltshire and Swindon that help victims of domestic abuse. Every day this week we will be highlighting each of them in the hope that many more victims will be empowered to get the help they need.
I am delighted to commission £567,128 worth of funding into Victim Support Wiltshire. Last year the charity offered support to more than 1,200 people affected by crime in Wiltshire.
Victim Support gives emotional and practical help to people who have been affected by crime in Wiltshire. They are an independent charity and you can contact them for support regardless of whether you've contacted the police, and no matter how long ago the crime took place. They will help you for as long as it takes to overcome the impact of crime.
All survivors of domestic abuse should be able to get the support they need to move on from the impact of abuse. Victim Support doesn't just help people who've recently experienced domestic abuse — they are also here to support men and women, weeks, months and years afterwards.
All of their services are confidential, free and available to anyone who's experienced domestic violence:
If you call your local Victim Support team, they will make sure you get the information and support you need. This might be arranging a meeting for you to talk to them and receive emotional support in confidence, helping you to fill out a compensation form or get advice on how to make your home more secure, or referring you to other specialist organisations that can also help.
If you've been affected by domestic abuse, or any crime, please call your local victim care team in Wiltshire on 0808 281 0113. Lines are open 9am-7.30pm Monday to Friday, and 10am-4pm on Saturdays.