OUR society concentrates on discovering and dealing with the perpetrators of crime - be it minor theft or murder. But all too often the victims of crime are left to their own devices - hurt, bewildered, upset if not traumatised and ignorant of what is happening to those who caused all the grief. While family and friends usually rally round to console and support, some victims of crime need more professional help - and that’s where Victim Support is ready to spring into action. Last month two representatives of Victim Support - Dave and Janet - came along to a special meeting of Merkinch Community Council to explain their work and the operation of the Victim Support charity which was founded back in the 1970s.
Dave a former policeman in Merseyside for over 30 years, has seen both sides and after a career catching those who perpetrate crimes, he now plays his part in alleviating the pains and problems experienced by the victims of crime, following an incident.
“Our aims and objectives are to provide practical and emotional support to anyone who is a victim of crime, from theft to murder,” he said.
The service is totally confidential and free, which ensures that things said in the emotional conditions which often follow in those who are at the receiving end of a crime will go no further.
“Initially, when a crime has taken place, the police deal with the details of the incident. They will then offer the victim or victims of the crime the opportunity to speak with representatives of Victim Support.
“The Police pass on the message, and if the victims do not say that they do not need or want any help from Victim Support, then we will contact them,” said Dave. “People are also referred to us by doctors, teachers and others who become aware that a victim of crime is having difficulty coming to terms with the experience.
In the area covering from Oban to Wick and the Isle of Skye to Elgin, Victoim Support has one full-time co-ordinator, one part-time deputy, part-time administrative support plus 25 trained volunteers.
“We can ring up, or write or ask a volunteer to go and visit a crime victim, depending on our assessment of the situation and what the person wants,” said Dave.
“Often all people want to do is talk and we give them time to do that. We also deal with practical details, such as filling in an application form for criminal compensation. Under this scheme it can take from 12 and 18 months for compensation - which is a minimum of £1000 - to come through,” Dave explained.
“When necessary we will go to court to lend support to a victim of a crime when they are required to be a witness. Going to court is not a particularly nice experience, particularly for a child or an older person. Sometimes we will visit the court before the actual day of their appearance so that they are not terrified on the day.
“We also advise on legal aspects of court appearances. Witnesses have to be interviewed in advance by both the Procurator Fiscal and the defence solicitor. They each do their own pre-cognition before deciding if the person is wanted as a witness.
“We always advise people to agree to go to court - we will go along for moral support, if we’re needed. On the day of the trial a friendly face from Victim Support will be there with them.” Victim Support cannot give money or re-house, but they can speak to officials on such matters.
Victim Support began in Bristol in 1974 and went nation-wide within five years. The service started in Scotland, in the Central Belt, in 1980, gradually spreading throughout the country. In the Highlands they used to get around 2000 referrals a year, but that number is now only around 750.
“We now get two or three people a week needing support where we used to get 30 or 40,” said Dave. “This is partly due to the Data Protection Act coming into force - we used to get more of the facts from the Police, now we get a minimum of information.
“We never see a young person or child without a responsible adult being present.” And if a person is, say, a victim of domestic abuse, it is arranged that they can have a private appointment away from their home.
Volunteers are selected at an interview and then attend two weekend courses. They go out with experienced volunteers for a while until they are reassessed. Further courses are required for dealing with sexual offences from minor incidents to the most serious. These victims, mostly women and children, are never seen on their own.
Community Council members thanked Dave and Janet and agreed to donate £25 to Victim Support.