Victims of crime in Huddersfield and the rest of West Yorkshire will continue to have vital services provided locally despite changes to funding arrangements.
West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Mark Burns-Williamson, has granted funds to Victim Support due to newly-introduced changes which see the Ministry of Justice devolve responsibility for funding to local PCCs.
And the contract between the PCC and Victim Support will see independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) for the county work alongside the police providing support to victims of sexual violence.
Lesley McLean, the West Yorkshire Victim Support manager said: “These funds give us the opportunity to continue to provide services and further develop new ones for victims of crime across the whole of West Yorkshire.
“We know from helping thousands of victims and witnesses every year how often people affected by crime need help to find the strength to move on and this continued service will give them the practical and emotional support they need.”
Mr Burns-Williamson said: “I have always supported Victim Support and this money demonstrates that we are committed to the work and service they deliver in West Yorkshire.
“I have made five promises within my Police and Crime Plan to victims and witnesses including ensuring they get the high quality support and help they need, when they need it, in the way they need it from the right agency and this support reinforces that continued promise and commitment to the charity and the victims using their invaluable service.”
Victims of crime will be able to get information on their entitlements to support, and on local arrangements for the provision of support to victims, by calling a new freephone* helpline. The telephone number for this is 0808 168 9293 or see the web sites: www.helpforvictims.co.uk or www.victimsupport.org.uk
