Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold joined charities at a Stafford supermarket collecting donated toys for children who are victims of crime.
Asda shoppers were encouraged to donate gifts for children who are being supported this Christmas by Staffordshire Women’s Aid due to domestic violence.
They were also joined at the supermarket by Embrace Child Victims of Crime (CVOC), a national charity which has been commissioned to work with Staffordshire Police in a pilot providing the first ever dedicated counselling service for child victims.
Mr Ellis has supported the pilot with funding as part of the on-going radical re-think of existing victim services in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent being which is being led by Mrs Arnold. Embrace CVOC is offering specialist therapeutic support to children who are seriously affected by crime, through referrals from police officers.
Mrs Arnold said: “Domestic violence can be a hidden crime, often under-reported and sometimes stigmatised.
“This initiative by Staffordshire Women’s Aid is an excellent way of supporting women and children and showing them that the community has not forgotten them this Christmas.
“It is also fantastic to be working with Embrace CVOC to address in Staffordshire what has been identified as a major gap in support services for child crime victims in the UK.
“It will make a lasting difference to children and their families’ lives mending hearts, minds and families at a time when they need help the most. This is part of the Commissioner’s ongoing work to make sure victims are at the heart of everything we do and are given the right support when they need it.”
