Victim Support and Harmed Liaison Officers:
Have your say on youth justice
The new law
Recent changes to the law (the Crime and Disorder Act 1998) means that we can deal more quickly and effectively with young offenders. Everybody involved is working together to make sure that victims get a better deal as well.
Our aims
We know that being a victim of crime can be an extremely distressing experience and we want to do all we can to help you come to terms with the trauma you may have suffered.
How can all this help you?
Many victims of crime have found that becoming involved in the Justice process helps them deal with the anger or anxiety they felt following the crime.
We, and others working in Youth Offending Teams, believe that young people who commit crimes should be encouraged to take responsibility for the harm and loss they have caused their victims. Telling them how you feel about what they did and how it has affected you will make them face up to the facts. They will also be expected to make amends in some way.
We know that some people who have volunteered to take part have found the experience helpful - they have been able to cope better with the hurt and loss caused by the crime and can then put the memory behind them.
How you could get involved?
If you do agree to take part, there are a number of different ways you could get involved. You might:
- Receive a letter of apology written by the young offender (sent to you by the Youth Offending Team and not directly by the offender)
- Have the offender make amends by carrying out some practical job on your behalf or for the community (this activity would be supervised)
- Take part in a victim-offender conference
- Attend a youth offender panel where you can give your views so they can be taken into account
It's your choice
Taking part in this scheme is completely voluntary and we will respect your wishes and choices at all times. Getting involved could help you to come to terms with what you have been through and put the whole distressing experience behind you. And remember - we will always take your views into account. It's your decision whether you want to provide your details or take part in any of the activities.
The National Code of Practice for Victims of Crime
Victims of Crime – Support and advice in Avon and Somerset
Victim Support
You can get help from an organisation called Victim Support. It offers free and confidential support to everyone who has suffered the experience of being a victim of crime - even if the crime has not been reported to the police.
There are two ways you can contact Victim Support:
- Your local scheme is listed in the phone book
- Or through the Victim Support line by phoning 0845 30 30 900 or writing to them at PO Box 1143, London SW9 6ZH
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