HELP FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME...What support can I get?
The National Probation Service operates the Probation Victim Contact Scheme which provides eligible victims with information about Offenders Sentences at key stages. A Victim Liaison Officer will provide you with information about how the Parole Board considers, and makes decisions about Offenders' cases.
The Officer will explain how you can put your views to the Board in a Victim Personal Statement. Also how you can put forward your views about the restrictions which may be attached to an Offender's Licence which are necessary for your, or your family's protection.
You can ask your Victim Liaison Officer for copies of the two National Probation Service explanatory leaflets...
"Making your views known to the Parole Board about the role of Offenders" and "Parole Board Oral Hearings".
www.paroleboard.gov.uk/victims_and_families/help_for_victims_of_crime/
NATIONAL OFFENDER MANAGEMENT...Victim Helpline
If you are a Victim of Crime or are related to a Victim, and have received unwanted contact (by letter or telephone) from a Prisoner or you are worried about their release from Prison, telephone the Prison Service Victim Helpline.
www.hmprisonservice.gov.uk/adviceandsupport/helpforvictims
You may also telephone or write to:-
National Offender Management Service Victim Helpline
P.O. Box 4278
Birmingham
B15 1SA
Tel: 0845 7585 112
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME
If you have been a Victim of Crime the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime sets out the services you can expect to receive from each of the Criminal Justice Agencies, like the Police and the Crown Prosecution Service. For the first time these agencies are required by Law to provide details of the minimum standard of service they will provide to you.
The Parole Board has the following obligation under the Code of Practice:
a) The Parole Board must consider any representations that Victims have offered to the Probation Service on the Conditions to be included in the Release Licences of Prisoners serving Sentences subject to consideration by the Parole Board and reflect these considerations in the parole decisions. Conditions relation lto the Victim should be disclosed to the Victim through the Probation Service, and where a Licence condition has not been included, the Parole Board should provide an explanation for the non-inclusion.
b) The Parole Board must consider any information regarding the Victim that relates directly to the current risk presented by a Prisoner in deciding whether or not to grant or recommend release and reflect this in the parole decision.
www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/victims-code-of-practice
THE COURTS CHARTER
The Courts Charter sets out the Standard of Service...the standards are set after talking to people who have used the Court. Most people coming to Court will be worried about what to expect. The aim is to reduce these concerns by giving a good, friendly service. When you come to Court you can expect fair and equal treatment, no matter what your race, ethnic origin, disability, sex, sexuality or religious beliefs.
www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/courts_charter/index.htm
AN INTERACTIVE GUIDE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME
Being a Victim of Crime can be a difficult and often confusing experience. This intereactive guide takes you through the Criminal Justice System, explaining the processes you will encounter at every stage. It will also illustrates the many kinds of support that are available to you.
www.cjsonline.gov.uk/victim/walkthrough/index.html