We understand the impact crime has on the victim, witness and those close to them. We know you may be feeling a range of emotions – angry, upset, frustration – which may change throughout the case.
We are hear to listen to you, to guide you and to answer your questions.
Who are we?
We are a team of trained Victim and Witness Care Officers (VWCO). Our staff are empathetic, sensitive and supportive.
We have offices across the Avon and Somerset area, meaning we can ensure that each victim receives the tailored support and service they need local to them.
Lighthouse provides on-going support, updates and information to all victims and witnesses going through the court system in the Avon and Somerset area.
We also offer an enhanced service to:
- victims of the most serious crimes
- persistently targeted victims; and
- vulnerable or intimidated victims
The three categories above are designed to ensure victims who are most in need will be able to access enhanced support.
You may be entitled to enhanced services under more than one category at the same time. For example, if you are under 18 years of age you will be automatically eligible for enhanced services as a vulnerable victim regardless of whether you are also a victim of the most serious crime or are a persistently targeted victim.
Our VWCOs will tell you if you are entitled to enhanced services.
Who do we work with?
It is important to know that, although we work closely with the police and other agencies, we are an independent service.
Working alongside us are several multi-agency partners who help us provide quick access to specialist support for our most vulnerable victims.
Some of the teams we work with includes:
- Independent Domestic Violence Advisors
- Independent Sexual Violence Advisors
- Victim Support
How will you support you?
Your case will be referred to us through the police. We do not accept external or self referrals.
One of our Victim and Witness Care officers will be assigned to your case. They will run risk assessment checks and research on the victim/s and suspect/s. This is done to ensure safeguarding needs are met and in order to inform how best to support you.
Understanding what our support may look like
- Your first contact with us will likely be a phone call from the VMCO assigned to your case.
- They will ask you questions to understand what happened, how you feel and how you would like to be supported. They ask these questions to establish any vulnerabilities and to understand what support networks you have.
- You will also discuss if any care referrals are needed or recommended. For example, a referral may be made to Victim Support. Referrals will only be made with your permission.
- The VMCO will capture all of the details from your phone call in a Common Needs Assessment (CNA) document.
- This conversation and the completion of the CNA document is done to ensure you can share any thoughts, concerns and so you are supported in a manner which feels right for you.
- You will be given the direct number of your allocated VWCO so you can contact them with any questions. They will also schedule follow up calls with you, to ensure the support you requested is being received.
- If the victim’s case proceeds into the court process the VWCO will remain with them throughout the Criminal Justice Process.
A large percentage of the people we work with are repeat victims and as such we try to ensure where possible that they are allocated to the same officer each time in order to build a positive relationship and ensure consistency of support.
If you would to find out more about the role of a VWCO, then read our ‘day in the life’ blog.
Contact Lighthouse
If you are currently receiving support from Lighthouse and have misplaced the contact details of your allocated Victim and Witness Care Officer, you can contact us via 101.
This is the police non-emergency number and they will redirect the call through to the VWCO.
Please note we cannot accept external or self referrals.
Advice for victims and witnesses
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Advice for adults
If you are an adult who has experienced a crime, we can help you understand your rights, and connect you with support services.
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Advice for young people
If you are aged between 10 – 22 years old, you can contact us for advice and guidance.
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Advice for professionals
Advice and resources for professionals who are supporting victims or witnesses of crime.
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