Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis praised the dedication of volunteers who he met at a Victim Support meeting.
Victim Support Staffordshire provides a voice for victims and witnesses across the county and gives advice and support to those affected by crime.
Volunteers hosted a meeting with Mr Ellis at the Haling Dene Centre in Penkridge on Tuesday night, 22 October.
Supporting victims and witnesses is one of four key priorities in the Commissioner’s recently launched Safer, Fairer, United Communities strategy.
Mr Ellis said: “I was delighted to meet so many dedicated people who give up their time for Victim Support to make a real difference.
“There were some excellent questions and debate about how we can work together to provide the best possible service to victims and witnesses in Staffordshire.
“Victims want to be treated as individuals and not crime numbers. They need to be able to access the right service at the right time rather than trying to work through a myriad of agencies to get the help they require.
“In Staffordshire, we are developing a single integrated system that fits around all victims – rather than victims having to fit the system. We will help shape a single gateway for all victims and witnesses that provides a clear and simplified route to services.
“Being a victim can be truly damaging and have a lasting impact on feelings of safety and wellbeing, which is why it’s crucial that we put victims and witnesses at the heart of all we do.”
