A NEW support service is being introduced by West Mercia Police to provide victims of crime with a better service, writes Eve Watson.
The Victim Advice Line (VAL) has been launched after a consultation by Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion.
It found a number of crime victims did not feel fully supported following their ordeal.
The VAL, which goes live on April 1, is better than the current support system as it gives victims a clearer pathway of help and prevents them having to repeat their story multiple times.
The advice line will be made up of a team of experts and fully trained Victim Care Coordinators.
This new model has been adopted by other Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) and police forces across the country.
PCC John Campion said: “The Victim Advice Line will look at an individual and make sure they’re getting the level of support they need.
“They won’t be given a pre-determined package – they’ll be given support that is completely tailored to them.
“By doing this we hope to give victims greater confidence and satisfaction that will help in moving forward with their life.”
Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans said: “West Mercia strives to put victims at the heart of what we do and the support that the Victim Advice Line will provide alongside us will be invaluable.”