Civ: 0800 7243176
Alternatively, you can email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Victim Support in Western Europe is provided by Core Assets
Who we are & what we do
Every year trained volunteers throughout Western Europe work with people who have been affected by crime: from victims of burglary and theft to victims of sexual violence; from young victims of crime to victims of hate crime.
Victim Support volunteers are able to offer free and confidential information, emotional support and practical help. They can listen to victims talk about the effect that a crime has had on them or assist them with insurance or compensation claim forms.
Furthermore, the service can be accessed whether or not the crime has been reported to the police and regardless of when and where it happened. Vicitm Support is the independent national charity for people affected by crime. Our services are confidential, free and outside the Chain of Command.
Our specially trained volunteers can:
- Help you cope with the emotional effects of being a victim of crime.
- Support you and other members of your family, if necesary.
- Help you get in touch with other organisations that can help if there are problems we can't deal with.
- Help you deal with other agencies, such as the police.
- Give you advice of safety and home security
- Organise pratical help
Most victims of crime, regardless of when the crime took place or whether it has been reported to the police, want to talk to someone about what has happened and how they are feeling. Friends and family can be very helpful, but our volunteers are specially trained to listen and understand. We can also offer useful information to help you deal with some of the problems a crime has caused.
Sometimes we can arrange practical help too.
In addition to offering emotional support and giving information about the police station and court procedures, our volunteers can go with you to the police station and the court. We can also liaise with other organisations on your behalf if you want us to and we can put you in touch with other sources of practical help.
Victims are usually put in touch with us by the police, but you can contact us directly. If you have been affected by crime and would like to talk to someone, please call us.
Volunteering
The scheme is wholly reliant on volunteers. As well as providing strong support to people at difficult times, volunteers will also gain a variety of skills, experience and training through working with Victim Support. No previous experience of this kind of work is necessary as full training is given, however, we look for individuals who are good listeners, understanding and get on with people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.
Why should I help?
Most people volunteer for Victim Support because they want to help people. Volunteers are rewarded by seeing the difference Victim Support can make to those whose lives have been affected by crime.
In return volunteers receive regular training, support from Victim Support Coordinators and the chance to meet with other volunteers at supervision sessions.
What do our volunteers do?
We train volunteers to give emotional support, information and practical help to people who have suffered the effects of all kinds of crime – from burglary to the murder of a relative.
Our volunteers normally visit people within a mutually agreed venue, however sometimes telephone contact is required. Volunteers allow victims of crime to talk through their feelings with somebody outside of their immediate family and friend network. Volunteers can provide information about both practical and personal issues. Most of all our volunteers help victims to find their own ways to overcome the effects of the crime.
What do I have to do to become a Victim Support volunteer?
Some checks are required in order to ensure the safety of the people we work with. All volunteers will be required to fill out an initial application form which requests two references. Once these references have been checked you will be invited to an interview. Police checks must be completed and any criminal convictions will need to be declared (both spent and unspent).
Having a criminal record will not automatically exclude you from volunteering and Victim Support staff will carefully consider every person on their merits.
What training is needed?
You do not need any qualifications or previous experience to become a Victim Support volunteer. We believe that many people have within them the ability to help victims of crime. All volunteers will be required to attend Core Learning. This is a 5 day residential training programme which will increase awareness of the effects of crime, develop listening skills and equip volunteers with the relevant practical information.
Who do I contact if I would like to volunteer?
We will be happy to discuss volunteering opportunities in your area.
Civ: 0800 7243176
Alternatively, you can email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Victim Support in Western Europe is provided by Core Assets