Victim First is a free, independent and confidential service supporting victims and witnesses of crime; across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Our priority is to ensure you are given the support everyone needs to help you cope and recover. We recognise everyone’s needs are different, and that is why our service is designed to be tailored to your requirements. Whether or not the crime has been reported, and regardless of when it happened, we are here for you.
“I would like to thank Victim First for helping me get my life back.”
We have a team of experienced and professional Caseworkers, supported by a team of dedicated and trained volunteers to help support you in your journey of recovery.
Our menu of support
Our support menu is not limited to the services listed here. We are committed to going above and beyond to ensure your needs are met:
- Emotional support: Caseworkers are trained to listen, to empathise, and to recognise the emotional impact that crime can have on a victim or witness. Someone to talk to face to face or over the phone.
- Advocacy: We can communicate with other organisations and services on your behalf to help you access services and support. For example, seeking support from local housing authorities.
- Crime prevention measures: We work with a specialist security service who can provide crime prevention and safety measures for added support.
- Restorative justice: Restorative justice is a voluntary process which offers you the opportunity to potentially communicate with the offender to address any harm caused. We have a dedicated Restorative Justice Caseworker as part of the team who can talk to you about restorative justice and explore if you would like the opportunity to communicate with the person who has caused you harm.
- Mental health support: We have access to mental health nurses to ensure specialist support is given around your mental wellbeing.
- Information and advice: We can provide you with information and advice around the incident or other organisations that may be able to help you.
- Access to specialist support: We can either signpost you to an appropriate organisation or make a direct referral with your consent. We will always offer follow up support to ensure you do not feel you are being passed from person to person.
- Support for children and young people: We also provide support to children and young people under the age of 18. In addition to the support options, the young victim or witness will also have access to a dedicated Children and Young People Caseworker and group support.
Our commitments
We are committed to providing the right kind of support for you that is tailored to your needs. When you have accepted our support, we will ensure:
- You receive the information, guidance and advice you require.
- We assess your needs to ensure you receive a tailored support plan that meets your needs.
- We provide you with a dedicated Caseworker to support you.
- We recognise that everyone’s needs are different. We will work with you to find the best means to communicate with you and give you the time you need to help you cope and recover.
- We will help you to understand your rights. Every victim of crime in England and Wales is entitled to support from criminal justice agencies under the Victim’s Code. You are entitled to help and support if you, or a close relative or friend has been a victim of crime and you have been affected as a result.
“Keep doing what you do, keep helping people. You’ve been amazing.”
Reporting a crime
Call the Police on 101 to report less urgent crime or disorder, for general enquiries or to speak with a local officer. 101 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Remember, in an emergency ALWAYS call 999.