Over 50 specialists from across Staffordshire came together to discuss a new vision to put victims and witnesses first.
The ground-breaking event – called ‘A Gateway To Haven’ – saw organisations who work with victims from the public and voluntary sector gather at police headquarters in Stafford yesterday.
Supporting victims and witnesses is one of four key priorities in Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis’s new Safer, Fairer, United Communities strategy.
Deputing Commissioner Sue Arnold, who has worked on reviewing and reforming existing victim services since taking her post, brought organisations together for the event.
At the core of the agenda were plans, highlighted in the strategy, for a single gateway to join up the work of support organisations in an understandable way for victims.
Mrs Arnold said: “It was really encouraging to see so many organisations come together under one roof to discuss ways we can provide the best possible service for victims and witnesses’ in Staffordshire.
“For too long, victims have had to fit the criminal justice system rather than the system fitting victims.
“Being a victim can be truly damaging and have a lasting impact on feelings of safety and wellbeing. The very services that are there to support victims and witnesses can be anything but user friendly, meaning that the experience they have of the courts and criminal justice system can be as taxing and traumatic as the original incident.
“Victims want to be treated as individuals not crime numbers. They need to be able to access the right service at the right time rather than trying to work their way through a myriad of different agencies to get the help they require
“We need a streamlined system that avoids duplication and protects those at risk of becoming a victim or repeat victim.
“Together, we looked at ways we could join up services locally and nationally while considering current gaps in provision. We talked about creating a gateway – in a simplified and streamlined service – that ensures victims and witnesses’ needs are met.
“This gateway will offer ‘one-stop’ access to services and give direction, protection and support which places victims and their families at the heart of the process.
“I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to this unique event which will shape our ongoing work to put the needs of victims and witnesses at the centre of all we do.”
To find out how the Safer, Fairer, Communities strategy will make things easier for victims and witnesses – and to have your say – visit www.staffordshire-pcc.gov.uk People can also join the conversation on facebook.com/staffordshirepcc or on Twitter @StaffsPCC
