Support for victims of crime in Warwickshire is set to be further enhanced with the launch of five newly-commissioned services from April 1, Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe has announced.
The five services – which provide a general support service for all victims, as well as dedicated services for some of the most vulnerable in society – come as part of the Commissioner’s commitments to keep people safe and reduce harm and to deliver better justice for all.
The contracts, worth a combined total of £1.1 million per year, have been awarded through a competitive tendering process and following a comprehensive and independent needs assessment. Local service users and community stakeholders were consulted as part of this process, with their feedback helping to ensure that victim’s needs were at the heart of each service.
Successful bids were received from the following organisations:
- Lots 1 and 5: Victim Support – for general support services to help victims cope and recover from crime and for a new dedicated restorative justice service
- Lot 2: Safeline – for sexual abuse and violence recovery services.
- Lot 3: Barnardo’s – for child exploitation recovery services
- Lot 4: West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network – for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.
The commissioned services all provide expanded support for victims or, in the case of Lots 4 and 5, are new stand-alone services. All of the contracts will run for an initial period of three years and are funded by the Ministry of Justice and local funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Announcing the new services, Mr Seccombe said: “While I remain focused on reducing crime to ensure there are fewer victims overall, it’s hugely important that when crime does occur, each victim has tailored support to help them cope and recover. That support needs to be delivered to a very high standard and provide assistance at all stages of the criminal justice system.
“That’s why I am delighted to be able to expand the provision through the award of these new contracts. In some cases, there are new service providers and in other cases existing service providers are offering expanded provision, while some are entirely new services to Warwickshire. These are all vital services, however, and I look forward to working with each organisation in the coming years.
“Together we can make a real difference and help to improve the experiences of some of the most vulnerable people in society.”
