Staffordshire Police

Network for Surviving Stalking

Network for Surviving Stalking (NSS) is a charity which was founded in 2000. It provides support to victims, potential victims and others affected by stalking throughout the UK, raises awareness of the subject and provides information about stalking and harassment to professionals, relevant agencies and the public.

Women's Aid Federation

Women's Aid Federation of England (Women's Aid) is the national domestic violence charity which coordinates and supports a network of over 370 local domestic violence organisations in England. It provides over 500 refuges, help lines, community-based advocacy and outreach services. Women's Aid works in partnership with national and local government, police, social services, health authorities and voluntary organisations to promote the need for an integrated approach to prevent domestic violence and to protect abused women and children.

Victim Support and the Witness Service

Victim Support  provides information, a free and confidential telephone support line (0845 3030900), practical help and emotional support to victims who have experienced a crime (reported or unreported). This service also extends to the victims families and friends. Services are based on the principle of community involvement.

An expression of concern by a fellow citizen can be helpful to victims in repairing the harm done by crime. Victim Support ensure that its volunteers reflect the diversity of the communities in which they work, and that its services are equally accessible to all. Services are delivered locally by a network of volunteers who are trained to help people cope with the effects of crime, and who are supported and managed by paid staff.

Victim Support is an independent voluntary organisation that works alongside the criminal justice system, government and other organisations nationally, and in local communities. Victim Support promotes the rights of victims and witnesses. Referrals are made to Victim Support with the full consent of a victim and they will only contact a victim if it is clear that they have given their permission to be referred.

Victim Support provides a number of services:

• contacting people by letter, telephone or visit, although for some types of crime, such as domestic violence, contact is made in a way that reflects the particular sensitivity of the situation
• arranging for a trained volunteer to see victims in their homes, at a local office or if appropriate, at another place that is safe and convenient for the person being supported
• providing a volunteer to allow the victim to talk about their reaction to a crime (in a sympathetic environment), if help is wanted that is beyond the scope of Victim Support such as bereavement counselling or re-housing, Victim Support will assist with finding that help
• providing practical help including applying for criminal injuries compensation, providing support if the person wants to go to the police station, help with claiming benefits, access to crime prevention advice, and a range of other services
• providing information which might include information about the victim's rights, and if they have reported the crime, progress in the case
• arranging support at court through the Witness Service.

Witness Service

The Witness Service is part of Victim Support and helps victims, witnesses and their families and friends when attending any of the criminal courts in England and Wales. It assists both prosecution and defence witnesses, but not defendants. All criminal courts in England and Wales now have a Witness Service managed by Victim Support.

The Witness Service offers:

• pre-court visits for witnesses so that they are familiar with the courtroom and the roles of the various people in court before they give their evidence
• support, including in the courtroom, on the day of the trial, during sentencing and afterwards
• a separate waiting area
• information about court and legal processes
• special help and support for witnesses who are vulnerable or intimidated.