Victim Support opens new centre in Spon End

[dutchman]

Crime victims can receive specialist support and advice at a new centre in Coventry.



Victim Support has opened new offices in Percy Street, Spon End, after moving from its previous Queens Road base in the city.

The organisation is a national charity which provides free and confidential local services for victims of crime.

The centre is predominantly run by specially trained volunteers and the charity has had a presence in the city for more than ten years.

It has moved from its previous base after outgrowing the building due to the demand on its services.

Brian Senior, Victim Support development manager for the West Midlands, said: “The type of support we offer to victims of crime ranges from practical support, with things like changing locks, to supporting them through the entire justice system.

“It’s good for the victims and it’s good for the justice system as supported victims are much more likely to attend courts as witnesses and give the best evidence.

“In the West Midlands we have 64,000 referrals from the police every year and we offer some sort of support to around 28,000 of those referrals.”

The charity also runs the Homocide Support Service which supports the families of victims through the trauma associated with losing a loved one.

Members of partner organisations including West Midlands Police, Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Coventry City Council and West Midlands Police attended the opening event on Friday.

Coventry Lord Mayor Gary Crookes officially opened the centre along with West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Bob Jones.

Mr Jones said: “Services like these are crucial, not only in terms of providing individual support, but in terms of helping them to effectively contribute to the justice system.

“Victim Support makes a valuable contribution to ensuring the criminal justice system is effective and efficient saving it millions of pounds a year.

“I’m committed to maintaining and developing the strength of these services.”

[dutchman]

Homocide

Do they mean "homicide"?