SUPPORTING VICTIMS
The Commissioner holds the responsibility for the commissioning of services for victims of crime. Supporting victims is at the heart of everything we do and cutting crime, means fewer victims.
Lancashire Victim Services (LVS)
The Commissioner awarded a £13m contract to Victim Support in December 2021 to ensure expert, dedicated support for victims of crime across Lancashire, delivered under the Lancashire Victim Services Brand from 2022 to 2027.
Lancashire Victim Services (LVS) offer support following any type of crime, but the overall contract value includes an additional £2.5m investment from the Commissioner’s budget to ensure that specialist, face to face services are available for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence as well as young victims of crime under the age of 18.
Over the past year, Lancashire Victim Services, received more than 50K referrals, with more than 8.5K people receiving support, many for the most serious types of crime including domestic abuse and sexual violence.
The service’s performance is reviewed through quarterly review meetings chaired by Deputy PCC Andy Pratt MBE to ensure that victims of crime can access high quality, expert support in a way that works best for them.
The impact crime can have on people’s lives can’t be underestimated and ensuring that victims can access specialist support where and when they need it most is crucial.
The LVS team is passionate about helping people affected by crime to recover and move forward and the Commissioner is confident that their experts have the knowledge, skills and dedication to make a real difference to people across Lancashire.
Client Testimonial:
My Independent Sexual Violence Advocate reassured me that I would be believed and gave me confidence when in court. I was worried as the trial was approaching but my ISVA was there for me every step of the way and was always available for any questions or any concerns I had on the run up to court to keep my mind at rest. I do not think I could have gone through any of it without the support from my ISVA.
Referrals for support
Victims receiving support
Young victims supported
Needs assessments
Anvi’s story
Anvi* was referred to Lancashire Victim Services following a report of rape. At the time of the referral, Anvi was unsure of the support which could be offered to her and did not know anything about the criminal justice system.
Anvi’s Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA) supported her throughout, keeping her informed of the process and made sure she understood each step within the criminal justice system.
The alleged perpetrator was charged with multiple offences of sexual violence and a trial date was set.
Anvi’s ISVA offered continuous support and advocacy to ensure her voice was heard and that she was kept fully updated with progress.
Anvi’s ISVA was allowed to sit with her during cross-examination in court. The perpetrator in the case was found guilty on all counts and received a lengthy prison sentence.
Since the sentencing, Anvi’s ISVA has continued to support her, helping her with a referral for counselling and to help her become more confident in going out and pursuing new hobbies.
*name changed to protect identity
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Comment
What you have to say is important to us. If you would like to comment on the work of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire you can write to:
The Office of the PCC for Lancashire
County Hall Preston
PR1 0LD
Email: commissioner@lancashire-pcc.gov.uk
