Victim Support

Violence can take many forms. It could be verbal abuse (words) or a physical attack. People react to violence in different ways. They might find it hard to talk to friends or relatives about what happened, not feel like eating or find it difficult to sleep.

If you are a victim of violence, there are people who can help you deal with the feelings you're left with. You don't have to cope on your own.

Victim Support is a national charity that offers information, advice and practical support to victims of crime. There are Victim Support branches across the country, and the service is free and confidential (see the contacts page for details of Victim Support branches in the Black Country).

Tel: 0845 30 30 900
Minicom: 020 7896 3776
e-mail:supportline@victimsupport.org.uk

Victim Support may also be able to help if you are the friend or relative of someone who has been a victim of crime.

They also have leaflets in other languages about coping with crime and going to court.

Witness Service

If your case goes to court and you have to give evidence, you can get information and support from the Witness Service. This is run by Victim Support, and is there to help you understand and deal with the process of going to court.

Help offered through the Witness Service is confidential and free. Examples of how the Witness Service can help include:

• Arranging a visit to the court before the trial - this helps you to become more familiar with the court so that it isn't such a strange and scary place when you come to give evidence
• Finding you somewhere quiet to wait before and during the hearing
• Helping you to claim expenses such as travel costs for getting to court

To get in touch with the Witness Service, call the Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900. They will give you details of your local service.