Will new victim service do job?

Feb 7 2010 by Michael Kelly, Sunday Sun

The Government last week announced the formation of a new service to provide financial and emotional support for victims of crime and their families. Justice Secretary Jack Straw described the legislation as a defining moment in helping society’s most vulnerable. But who will really benefit? MIKE KELLY reports.

“However, its one major flaw is that it has been established for victims of new crime. In other words, if you were a victim of a crime that took place before March 1, 2010, no help will be available to you.

“It means that huge amounts of people are being ignored.

“It’s fantastic that they’re supporting new victims of crime but we’re supporting relatives who have been bereaved as far back as the 1960s – 50 years of emotional and financial problems to deal with.”

The Government’s new service is costing £8m which it says guarantees that all victims of crime and anti-social behaviour referred by the police will get more comprehensive and dedicated support.

In the first stage it will begin by helping families bereaved by murder or manslaughter. The aim is to provide intensive support, care and attention, tailored to suit individual needs beyond the conclusion of any investigation or trial.

They will be given a named, dedicated support worker with whom they will meet regularly to identify their needs and liaise with the authorities on their behalf.

For example, they may need immediate help with practical assistance, like with security, childcare or making bill payments. Counselling will be available as well as legal and financial advice.

From July all victims of crime will be entitled to one dedicated point of contact who will guide them through the criminal justice system, who will stay with them until they no longer need help.

Justice Secretary Jack Straw said: “The establishment of the National Victims’ Service will be a defining moment. It will make sure that victims across England and Wales are provided with greater personal support throughout the criminal justice process and beyond. If victims need help, we will continue to be there for them - for as long as they need it.”

The initiative follows a series of meetings with, among others, the NVA. Neil explained: “We contributed a great deal of our ideas and experience to those who were setting it up.”

And there have been some benefits for it, too. Up until now it has been self-funded but the organisation is at last going to get some much needed help from the Government.

Mr Atkinson continued: “We’ve never had any funding from the Government and we’ve existed through people working for free. There is going to be a relatively small amount of money given which will be gratefully received.”

Because of its work over the years it could be asked would this new Government initiative have come about if it wasn’t for NVA. Neil commented: “We wouldn’t be so arrogant to claim that. However, what we can tell you is we have had countless meetings with Government ministers and I stress very strongly that has made for a much more comprehensive and better service.”