Category: Victim support

hands holding each other

Commissioner welcomes major step towards new Victims’ Law

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has welcomed the launch of a consultation on a brand-new law that will enhance the support for victims in England and Wales.

Plans for the first-ever Victims’ Law aim to improve engagement with victims of crime during the criminal justice process and include new requirements to hold agencies such as the police, Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to greater account. The consultation will also ask whether to increase the role of Police and Crime Commissioners as part of providing better oversight across the criminal justice system.

The Law will amplify the voices of communities and victims of crime, including a more explicit requirement for prosecutors to meet and understand the impact of a case on the victims before making charges against offenders. The burden of crime will be focused on offenders, including an increase to the amount that they are required to pay back to the community.

The Ministry of Justice also confirmed it will go further to specifically protect the victims of sexual offences and modern slavery from re-experiencing trauma, by speeding up the national roll out of pre-recorded evidence in courts.

It follows the publication of the Government’s Rape Review earlier this year, that called for better recognition of the impact of the criminal justice system on victims.

The Government has today published the first national criminal justice system and adult rape scorecards, accompanied by a report on the progress made since the Review was published. The publication of scorecards was one of the actions included in the Review, with a focus on the whole of criminal justice system working to increase the number of rape cases reaching court and to improve support for victims.

Surrey has the lowest level of recorded cases of rape per 1000 people. Surrey Police have taken the recommendations of the Review seriously, including developing a rape improvement plan and rape improvement group, new perpetrator programme and case progression clinics.

Police and Crime Commissioner Lisa Townsend said: “I greatly welcome the proposals outlined today to improve the support that is offered to victims. Every individual affected by a crime deserves our absolute attention across the whole system to ensure they are fully heard and included in achieving justice. It is important this includes progress towards protecting more victims from further harm as a result of the impact of criminal processes such as facing an offender in court.

“I am pleased that the measures proposed will not only make the criminal justice system work harder to achieve better outcomes, but that it will keep a core focus on increasing the penalties for those who cause harm. As Police and Crime Commissioners we play a key role in improving the policing response as well as community support for victims. I am committed to championing the rights of victims in Surrey, and embrace every opportunity for my office, Surrey Police and partners to enhance the service we provide.”

Rachel Roberts, Department Head of the Surrey Police Victim and Witness Care Unit said: “Victim participation and victim support is essential to the delivery of criminal justice. Surrey Police welcome the implementation of a Victims Law to ensure a future where victims’ rights are a key part of how we deliver overall justice and victim treatment is of utmost priority.

“This welcome piece of legislation we hope will transform victims’ experiences of the criminal justice system, ensuring that all victims have an active role in the process, have the right to be informed, supported, feel valued and able to make informed decisions. A Victims Law is an opportunity to ensure that all victim entitlements are delivered and those agencies who are responsible for doing this can be held to account.”

The Surrey Police Victim and Witness Care Unit is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to provide help victims of crime cope and, as far as possible, recover from their experiences.

Victims are supported to identify sources of help for their unique situation and to develop tailored care plans that last as long as they need them – from reporting a crime, through to court and beyond. Since the start of this year, the Unit has had contact with over 40,000 individuals, providing more than 900 individuals with ongoing support.

You can contact the Victim and Witness Care Unit on 01483 639949, or for more information visit: https://victimandwitnesscare.org.uk

Teenager shoes

Police and Crime Commissioner teams up with Catch22 to prevent child exploitation in Surrey

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office for Surrey has awarded £100,000 to charity Catch22 to launch a new service for young people at risk of or affected by criminal exploitation in Surrey.

Examples of criminal exploitation include the use of children by ‘county lines’ networks, leading individuals into a cycle of offending that can include homelessness, substance misuse and ill mental health.

The Commissioner’s Community Safety Fund will enable the new development of Catch22’s successful ‘Music To My Ears’ service, using music, film and photography as a way to engage and work with individuals for their safer future.

The service has been commissioned by Guildford and Waverley Clinical Commissioning Group since 2016 focusing on mental health and substance misuse. In this time, the service has supported more than 400 young people and children to improve their wellbeing and reduce their contact with the Criminal Justice System. Over 70% of young people engaged said it helped them to improve their mental health, build their self-esteem and look forward.

Launching in January, the new service will offer a combination of creative workshops and tailored one-to-one support from a named advisor to help individuals to address the root causes of their vulnerability. Focussing on early intervention that recognises the family, health and social factors that can lead to exploitation, the three-year project will increase the number of young people supported away from exploitation by 2025.

Working with the Surrey Safeguarding Children Partnership that includes the PCC’s Office, aims of the service delivered by Catch22 include entry or re-entry into education or training, improved access to physical and mental health care and reduced contact with the police and other agencies.

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson, who is leading the Office’s focus on children and young people, said: “Myself and the team are thrilled to be working with Catch22 to further enhance the support we offer for young people in Surrey to feel safe, and to be safe.

“Both the Commissioner and I are passionate about ensuring our Plan for Surrey enables a focus on the safety of young people, including recognising the enormous impact that exploitation can have on an individual’s future.

“I am pleased that the new service will build on such extensive work by Catch22 over the last five years, opening up routes for more young people to avoid or leave a situation in which they are being exploited.”

Emma Norman, Assistant Director for Catch22 in the South said: “We’ve seen the success of Music to My Ears again and again and I’m thrilled that commissioner Lisa Townsend recognises the impact of the team’s work on local young people at particular risk of exploitation.

“The last two years have presented a more urgent need for practical, creative interventions for young people. Poor school attendance and online risks have further aggravated much of the risk factors we were seeing pre-pandemic.

“Projects like this enable us to re-engage young people – by boosting their self-esteem and their confidence, young people are encouraged to express themselves and their experiences, all while supported by professionals in a one-to-one setting.

“The Catch22 team address the risk factors – be it the young person’s home, social or health factors – while unlocking the impressive talent we know young people have.”

In the year to February 2021, Surrey Police and partners identified 206 young people at risk of exploitation, of which 14% were already being exploited. It’s important to note that the majority of young people will grow up happy and healthy with no need for intervention from services including Surrey Police.

Signs that a young person might be at risk of exploitation include absence from education, going missing from home, becoming withdrawn or uninterested in usual activities, or new relationships with ‘friends’ who are older.

Anyone who is concerned about a young person or child is encouraged to contact the Surrey Children’s Single Point of Access on 0300 470 9100 (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday) or at cspa@surreycc.gov.uk. The service is available out of hours on 01483 517898.

You can contact Surrey Police using 101, Surrey Police social media pages or www.surrey.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency.

Women's Aid Deserve to be heard campaign banner

“We owe it to survivors to provide specialist support.” – Police Commissioner joins Women’s Aid to raise awareness of the impact of domestic abuse on mental health

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has joined the Women’s Aid ‘Deserve to be Heard’ campaign calling for better mental health provision for survivors of domestic abuse.

To mark the start of this year’s 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, the Commissioner has issued a joint statement with Women’s Aid and the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership, asking the Government to recognise domestic abuse as a public health priority.

The statement also calls for sustainable funding for specialist domestic abuse services for survivors.

Community services such as helplines and specialist outreach workers account for around 70% of the assistance provided to survivors and play, alongside refuges, a fundamental part in halting the cycle of abuse.

Commissioner Lisa Townsend, who is also the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners National Lead for Mental Health and Custody, said every person needed to play a part in reducing the stigma attached to abuse and mental health.

She said: “We know that women and children who experience abuse suffer serious harm to their mental health that can include anxiety, PTSD, depression and suicidal thoughts. Raising awareness of the links between abuse and mental health sends an important message to survivors that there are people they can talk to that understand.

“We owe it to survivors of abuse to provide the right support to improve their mental health. We can and must keep pushing to ensure these services reach as many individuals as possible.”

CEO for Women’s Aid, Farah Nazeer said: “All women Deserve To Be Heard, but we know from our work with survivors that shame and stigma around domestic abuse and mental health prevent many women from speaking out. Coupled with the huge obstacles to accessing support – from long waiting times to the victim-blaming culture, which often asks women ‘what is wrong with you? Rather than, ‘what happened to you?’ – survivors are being failed.

“We must work together to ensure that domestic abuse is recognised as a key cause of women’s ill-mental health- and provide the holistic responses that survivors need to heal. This includes better understanding of trauma, greater partnership, including between mental health and domestic abuse services, and ring-fenced funding for specialist domestic abuse services led ‘by and for’ Black and minoritised women.

“Too many women are let down by the systems that are designed to help them. Through Deserve To Be Heard, we will ensure that survivors are listened to, and receive the support they need to heal and move forward.”

In 2020/21, the Office of the PCC provided more funds to address violence against women and girls than ever before, including close to close to £900,000 in funding to local organisations to provide support to survivors of domestic abuse.

Anyone concerned about themselves or someone they know can access confidential advice and support from Surrey’ independent specialist domestic abuse services by contacting the Your Sanctuary helpline 01483 776822 9am-9pm every day, or by visiting the Healthy Surrey website.

To report a crime or seek advice please call Surrey Police via 101, online or using social media. If you feel that you or someone you know is at immediate risk please always dial 999 in an emergency.

Teenager shoes

Commissioner’s office to fund dedicated service to protect children from exploitation

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey is looking to fund a dedicated service to work with young people affected by exploitation in the county.

Up to £100,000 is being made available from the Community Safety Fund to support a Surrey organisation that has a proven record of helping young people affected by, or at risk of serious criminal exploitation.

Most exploitation involves the use of children by ‘county lines’ networks that distribute drugs from major cities to local towns and villages.

Signs that a young person might be at risk include absence from education or going missing from home, becoming withdrawn or uninterested in usual activities, or relationships or gifts from new ‘friends’ that are older.

Deputy Commissioner Ellie Vesey-Thompson said: “I’m really passionate about ensuring that our focus in Surrey includes supporting young people to stay safe, and to feel safe.

“That’s why I’m so excited that we’re making new funding available to deliver a dedicated service that will tackle the root causes of exploitation in direct partnership with the individuals affected. If this is an area where your organisation can make a difference – please get in touch.”

In the year to February 2021, Surrey Police and partners identified 206 young people at risk of

exploitation, of which 14% were already experiencing it. The majority of young people will grow up happy and healthy with no intervention from services including Surrey Police.

Focussing on early intervention that recognises the family, health and social factors that can lead to exploitation, the three-year project aims to support over 300 young people.

The successful recipient of the funding will work with young people identified as being at risk of exploitation to tackle the root causes of their vulnerability.

As part of a partnership across Surrey that includes the Commissioner’s Office, they will develop trusted relationships that lead to new opportunities for the individual, such as entry or re-entry into education, or improved access to physical and mental health care.

Interested organisations can find out more here.

“We owe it to victims to pursue justice relentlessly.” – PCC Lisa Townsend responds to government review into rape and sexual violence

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey Lisa Townsend has welcomed the results of a wide-reaching review to achieve justice for more victims of rape and sexual assault.

Reforms unveiled by the Government today include providing greater support for victims of rape and serious sexual offences, and new monitoring of the services and agencies involved to improve outcomes.

The measures follow a review by the Ministry of Justice into the decline in the number of charges, prosecutions and convictions for rape achieved across England and Wales in the last five years.

An increased focus will be given to reduce the number of victims that withdraw from giving evidence because of delays and lack of support, and on ensuring the investigation of rape and sexual offences goes further to address the behaviour of perpetrators.

The results of the review concluded the national response to rape was ‘totally unacceptable’ – promising to return positive outcomes to 2016 levels.

PCC for Surrey Lisa Townsend said: “We must take every possible opportunity to relentlessly pursue justice for individuals affected by rape and sexual violence. These are devastating crimes that too often fall short of the response we expect and want to give to all victims.

“This is a crucial reminder that we owe it to every victim of crime to provide a sensitive, timely and consistent response to these awful crimes.

“Reducing violence against women and girls is at the heart of my commitment to Surrey residents. I’m proud that this an area where much important work is already being led by Surrey Police, our office and partners in the areas highlighted by today’s report.

“It’s so important that this is backed by tough measures that place the pressure from investigations squarely on the perpetrator.”

In 2020/21, the Office of the PCC provided more funds to address violence against women and girls than ever before.

The PCC invested heavily in services for victims of rape and sexual assault, with over £500,000 of funding made available to local support organisations.

With this money the OPCC has provided a wide range of local services, including counselling, dedicated services for children, a confidential helpline and professional support for individuals navigating the criminal justice system.

The PCC will continue to work closely with all our dedicated service providers to ensure that victims of rape and sexual assault in Surrey are properly supported.

In 2020, Surrey Police and Sussex Police established a new group with the South East Crown Prosecution Service and Kent Police to drive improvements in the outcomes of rape reports.

As part of the Force’s Rape & Serious Sexual Offence Improvement Strategy 2021/22, Surrey Police maintain a dedicated Rape and Serious Offence Investigation Team, supported by a new team of Sexual Offence Liaison Officers and more officers trained as Rape Investigation Specialists.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Tatton from Surrey Police’s Sexual Offences Investigation Team said: “We welcome the findings of this review which has highlighted several issues across the whole of the justice system. We will be looking at all the recommendations so we can improve even further but I want to reassure victims in Surrey that our team has been working to address many of these issues already.

“One example highlighted in the review are the concerns some victims have about giving up personal items such as mobile phones during the course of an investigation. This is completely understandable. In Surrey we offer replacement mobile devices as well as work with victims to set clear parameters on what will be looked at to reduce unnecessary intrusion into their private lives.

“Every victim who comes forward will be listened to, treated with respect and compassion and a thorough investigation will be launched. In April 2019, the PCC’s Office helped us to create a team of 10 victim focused investigating officers who are responsible for supporting adult victims of rape and serious sexual abuse through the investigation and subsequent criminal justice process.

“We will do everything we can to bring a case to court and if the evidence does not allow for a prosecution we will work with other agencies to support victims and take steps to protect the public from dangerous people.”

Surrey PCC: Amendments to Domestic Abuse Bill are a welcome boost for survivors

Posted on | by Surrey PCC

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey David Munro has welcomed fresh amendments towards a new set of domestic abuse laws saying they will improve the crucial support available to survivors.

The draft Domestic Abuse Bill contains new measures to enhance the response to domestic abuse by police forces, specialist services, local authorities and the courts.

Areas of the bill include criminalising more forms of abuse, greater support for those affected and help for survivors to get justice

The Bill, which is currently being considered by the House of Lords, had obligated councils to provide support to survivors and their families in places of refuge and other accommodation.

The PCC signed a petition led by SafeLives and Action for Children that urged the Government to widen this support to include community based services. Community services such as helplines account for around 70% of the assistance provided to those affected

A new amendment will now obligate local authorities to assess the impact of the Bill on their relationships and funding for all domestic abuse services. It includes a statutory review by Domestic Abuse Commissioner, that will further outline the role of community services.

The PCC said it was a welcome step that recognised the enormous impact domestic abuse has on individuals and families.

Community based services provide a confidential listening service and can offer a range of practical advice and therapeutic support for adults and children. As part of a coordinated response by local partners, they play a fundamental part in halting the cycle of abuse and empowering victims to live free from harm.

PCC David Munro said: “Physical and emotional abuse can have a devastating impact on survivors and families. I wholeheartedly welcome the steps outlined in this Bill to improve the support we can provide, whilst taking the toughest possible action against perpetrators.

“We owe it to every person affected by domestic abuse to be there with quality support when and where they need it, including for those who may find it harder to access refuge – for example individuals with disabilities, those with substance misuse problems, or those with older children.

Head of Policy and Commissioning for the PCC’s office Lisa Herrington said, “Victims need to know they are not alone. Community based services are there to listen without judgement and we know this is what survivors value the most. This includes helping survivors to flee safely, and for longer term support when they feel able to return to independent living.

“We work with partners across the county to achieve this, so it is essential that this coordinated response is supported.”

“Talking about abuse takes tremendous courage. Often a victim won’t want to engage with criminal justice agencies – they just want the abuse to stop.”

In 2020/21 the Office of the PCC provided close to £900,000 in funding to support domestic abuse organisations, including extra money to support both refuges and community services to overcome the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At the height of first lockdown, this included working with Surrey County Council and partners to rapidly establish new refuge space for 18 families.

Since 2019, increased funding from the PCC’s office has also paid for more domestic abuse caseworkers in Surrey Police.

From April, the extra money raised by the PCC’s council tax rise means a further £600,000 will be made available to support victims in Surrey, including through domestic abuse services.

Anyone who is worried about, or affected by domestic abuse is encouraged to contact Surrey Police via 101, online or using social media. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Support is available by contacting the Your Sanctuary helpline 01483 776822 9am-9pm every day or by visiting the Healthy Surrey website.