Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams and his Deputy Dave Evans visited Staffordshire Victim Gateway in Hanley, to see how the team helps victims recover from the impact of crime and the harm they have experienced.
Commissioned by the Staffordshire Commissioner, the free, confidential and tailored service is delivered by Victim Support and provides information, advice, guidance, signposting and one-to-one support to victims of crime. The service also makes onward referrals to specialist support agencies.
Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Ben Adams said: “The Staffordshire Victim Gateway puts the needs of victims at the heart of everything it does, and it was great to see the work of the team providing such a valuable service to victims and their families when they need it most.
“The support is tailored to people’s individual circumstances, recognising that their needs will be different depending on the type of crime they have experienced, and the emotional and practical support they need to help them recover.
“The Victim Gateway model was developed in Staffordshire, forming part of an integrated system of support which is accessible, simple to navigate and prevents victims having to repeat their story on multiple occasions.”
Between April 2024 and March 2025:
- 57,940 referrals were received by the Victim Gateway Service, with 45,110 victims receiving advice, guidance, information or signposting to other services
- 21,073 victims accepted support
- 1,382 victims received practical and emotional help
- 6,423 victims were referred to specialist victim support services
Melina Hancox, Area Manager at Victim Support, said: “We appreciate the Commissioner and his Deputy’s time to come and visit our offices to meet with the newly commissioned victim services in Staffordshire. We know how crime can affect anyone and can be traumatising for some. We want everyone to be aware we are here to help and can direct people to other support services right for them.
“The Staffordshire Victim Gateway team are trained and dedicated to providing individualised support and where required, we can help them to navigate what can often be a complex criminal justice journey.”
The Commissioner and Deputy also met the Restorative Justice (RJ) team, who work with victims and perpetrators to help them communicate in a safe and managed way. RJ allows everyone affected by a crime to play a part in repairing the harm caused. It empowers those who have been harmed to have their say, get answers to their questions and take positive steps forward.
If you need information, advice or support from the Staffordshire Victim Gateway, call 0300 303 0588. Find out more about the Victim Gateway, and the Restorative Justice service.
