A major project has been launched to understand how victims and people affected by crime and anti-social behaviour want to access recovery support in Cleveland.
Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) have a legal responsibility to commission services to support victims of crime.
As a condition of Ministry of Justice funding, PCCs must prove they help victims cope with the impact of crime and help them to recover from harm.
Since 2016, Cleveland’s PCC has commissioned Victim Care and Advice Service (VCAS.) Safer Communities delivers the service. It provides support to victims of crime and anti-social behaviour. It has supported over 4,000 victims in Cleveland and is due to end on 31 March 2022.
The Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) is working with the OPCC to look into the needs of Cleveland’s victims. The results of the consultation will inform a new service model from April 2022.
Key aims
This is the most in-depth study of its kind conducted in the Cleveland area. Its key aims include the following:
- Understanding the level and type of victims in the Cleveland Police area;
- Identifying who our victims are, what their support needs are and whether current provision is reaching them;
- Exploring why some victims do not reach out for support.
The research team will consult and engage with VCAS and other key stakeholders, analyse police and victim service data and develop surveys for victims, under-represented groups and the wider Cleveland community.
Following the consultation, a report containing their findings and recommendations will be published in the summer.
OPCC Temporary Assistant Chief Executive, Rachelle Kipling, said: “We’re committed to ensuring that our victim services fit the needs and requirements of people affected by crime and anti-social behaviour in Cleveland.
“Through a really strong evidence base, we can ensure those who most need support can easily do so. It’s great to have CPI on board to assist us in conducting an in-depth review of our current services and exploring any improvements we can make and what good practice in victim care looks like across the country.
“This research will allow us to assist the new Commissioner elected in May to develop and introduce a new service best suited to the needs and demands we have in Cleveland.”
To take the survey, go to: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/NMBLV9B
Deadline for responses is 14 June 2021.