The Victim Care and Advice Service (VCAS) provides free, independent and confidential support to victims of crime and their families.
VCAS runs services in Redcar & Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Stockton or Hartlepool areas. Stockton-based charity Safer Communities runs VCAS on behalf of the Police and Crime Commissioners for Cleveland and Durham.
VCAS Services
Trained staff provide the following:
- A single point of contact;
- Support for all victims, who ask for it – regardless of whether the incident has been reported to the police;
- Focus on the victims, who have suffered greatest harm.
Services are tailored to help victims cope with the impact of crime as well as to help them recover from it.
What does VCAS do?
VCAS helps with issues identified by victims, which may include the following:
- Responding to immediate safety concerns and risks;
- Providing emotional and practical support;
- Offering advice, support and encouragement;
- Promoting empowerment;
- Considering the benefits of participation in restorative justice
- Helping with criminal injuries compensation claims;
- Accessing support services;
- Support for young victims.
How does VCAS deliver its services?
Services are delivered in a number of ways including the following:
- Home visits and face-to-face meetings;
- Support and contact via telephone, text or email;
- Providing victims of crime with a voice via advocacy;
- One to one care for the most vulnerable;
- Practical assistance and emotional support.
VCAs also delivers Friends against Scams awareness sessions.
Friends Against Scams was developed to protect people from becoming victims of scams.
By providing awareness sessions, it aims to empower communities to take a stand against scams in their area.
Contact
For more information, contact VCAS in the following ways:
Tel: 0303 040 1099
Email: [email protected]
Web: Victim Care and Advice Service
Specialist Services
In addition to VCAS, victims of crime have access to a number of specialist services:
- National Homicide Service Homicide Service – Victim Support
- Brake for victims of road traffic incidents Brake | The Road Safety Charity