Support Victims
Services for Victims
The PCC is responsible for the provision of services to victims of crime in Wiltshire and Swindon to help them 'cope and recover'.
One of the key priorities in the Police and Crime plan is to "put victims, witnesses and communities at the heart of everything we do". It also promises to 'Protect the most vulnerable people in society'. My Plan outlines how the PCC will continue to develop enhanced services to victims of crime.
The PCC receives a budget from the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) to support victims of crime. We are always willing to hear feedback from victims on the services they receive and the support they need. If you have an experience about being a victim of crime or the criminal justice process which you are happy to share, please contact us and let us know your thoughts.
The commissioning model we have developed locally has three main elements:
Horizon is an integrated victim and witness care service based at Police headquarters in Devizes. Horizon support workers contact victims who are vulnerable, feel intimidated, have been persistently targeted or are victims of serious crime as defined under the Victim Code of Practice 2015
The Horizon support worker remains a single point of contact for that victim on their journey through the criminal justice system, keeping them updated and referring them on to support services if required. All other victims of personal crime receive a letter from Horizon outlining the support that is available to them.
You can read more about the Horizon team and the services they offer here
I also commission the charity Victim Support to offer practical and emotional support to victims of crime. Victim Support can visit people in their homes, draw up support plans with victims and offer advice to help them cope with, and recover from their experiences.
Victim Support is also available to victims of crime who do not wish to report a crime or have any contact with the police. Victims of anti-social behaviour can receive support if they are referred by our council partners in Wiltshire and Swindon.
You can find out more about Victim Support by visiting their website .
I recognise that there are some crimes which people experience which require more specialist services, including for victims of domestic and sexual abuse. I have worked with Swindon and Wiltshire councils and voluntary sector organisations to enhance support for these victims. Services include:
- The Phoenix Project provided by Splitz Support Services which supports victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Tel: 01225 775276
- Swindon Women's Aid who provide support for all victims of Domestic Abuse in Swindon. Tel: 01793 610610
- Swindon and Wiltshire Sanctuary: this sexual assault referral centre (SARC) offers help, advice and medical care following rape or sexual support.Tel: 0808 168 0024
Restorative Justice (RJ)
Restorative Justice offers victims a chance to meet or communicate with their offender to explain the impact of the crime. Victim Code of Practice 2015 states that victims of crime are entitled to receive information about RJ and, where appropriate, be offered an opportunity to take part in RJ. Both the victim and the offender need to agree for the contact to take place. Victims who have taken part in RJ are very positive about the experience, reporting that it has helped them deal with what happened and move on with their lives.
Locally I commission a restorative justice service known as Restorative Together. For more information on Restorative Together including how it works and how to contact the team, please click here.
Details of how to get to Salisbury Law Courts and Swindon Magistrates' Court can be found by following the appropriate links below.
Please note that this information is automatically sent to all victims and witnesses by the Horizon Witness and Care team.
There is also a video to watch to explain the process once you are at court. There is a separate one for both Swindon Crown Court and Salisbury Crown Court below.
The information provided is hosted by the gov.uk website and includes the full postal address, map and directions, opening hours, contact details, and lists the facilities available.
