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Many adults experience ongoing effects after witnessing or being affected by crime, including concerns about safety or trust. Our work is designed to provide practical and emotional support as you work through the aftermath of the incident you experienced.
If you someone who is supporting someone else while they deal with the impact of crime, or are a professional looking for guidance, we can also help you.
Types of crime
When you experience a crime, it is not always easy to make sense of what happened to you, or find the right words to describe it. We know that this can make reporting incidents feel challenging, and can affect your confidence levels when reaching out for support.
To support you in identifying what you have been through in your own words, we have outlined the main types of crime we support victims and witnesses with, and what they mean.
If you want to report any of these crimes, you can select a box to go directly the right reporting page on the Avon and Somerset Police website.
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Anti-social behaviour
Causing harm or distress to an individual, community or neighbourhood.
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Criminal damage and arson
Damaging or destroying the property of others, or deliberately setting fire to property.
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Domestic abuse
Incidents where a person’s behaviour towards another is controlling, forced or threatening.
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Harassment and stalking
Repeated and unwanted attention that makes you feel distressed, anxious or scared.
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Hate crimes
Hate crimes are when someone commits a crime against you because of any actual or perceived difference.
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Honour-based violence
Any practice used to control behaviour within families to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs.
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Rape and sexual assault
When someone is pressured or forced to have sex, or engage in sexual activity by someone else.
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Theft and burglary
Illegal entry into property with the intention of committing a crime, or taking someone else’s property dishonestly.
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Violent crime
Offences that involve physical force or the threat of force against another person, including use of weapons.
Every report is taken seriously and reviewed by the most relevant team, to ensure the best result for you and anyone else who has been affected.
Reporting is the first step towards justice. By reporting what happened to you, you are directly helping to stop more crimes from happening.
Types of support
The first line of support we will encourage you to access is dedicated Victim and Witness Care services, such as Lighthouse.
These are organisations, independent from the police and other criminal justice agencies, that can help you after a crime.
You are entitled to support even if you decide not to report what happened to you.
Victim and Witness Care services offer practical help and advocacy to improve your sense of safety and stability. Depending on your needs, you may also get help with:
- creating support plans
- applying for financial assistance
- connecting with other support services through referrals
In addition to these services, you may also benefit from:
- Counselling and psychological therapies from the NHS
- Support for witnesses through The Witness Service
- Criminal injuries compensation, which you can find information on in GOV.UK’s Criminal injuries compensation guide.
What happens when you report a crime
When you report a crime, it is sent to the most relevant team who will then start investigating. They will take into account your report, including any evidence, and make a decision on whether it can be investigated further, or whether it will be filed.
You can read more about what to expect after reporting a crime on the Avon and Somerset Police website. You can also find more information on topics such as preparing a statement or going to court on the Police.uk website.
If you are not satisfied with the conclusion of your report
If your case is progressed in a way you are not happy with (for example, if it is closed), you have the right to request a review of that decision.
If your case meets certain criteria, it will then be formally reviewed by a senior officer. You can find more information on this, including criteria and possible outcomes, on the Victims’ Right to Review page on the Avon and Somerset Police website.
Staying safe
It is important to remember, first and foremost, that the crime you experienced or witnessed was not your fault.
After experiencing a crime or witnessing one, you may feel less confident about your personal safety. If you are concerned about staying safe, there are a few small things you could try to improve your overall sense of wellbeing.
Call 999
If you believe you are unsafe, you should immediately contact the police by calling 999
Small steps you can take could include:
- letting someone know your travel plans
- checking that your home and devices are secure
- getting in contact with a local support service
You may also find reading crime prevention advice, listed on the Avon and Somerset Police website, helpful, depending on your specific situation.
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