Victims information

On this page you will find information about our work we do to support victims of crime.

As of April 2015, victims of crime have been supported by a dedicated in-house team and vast network of support agencies. The services offered across Devon and Cornwall include the Victim Care Unit, an in-house department providing advice, referrals to external agencies, signposting and prevention guidance. The Victim Care Network consists of a selection of support organisation across the peninsula. Our funding model aims to build capacity within these smaller organisations and empower victims by giving them a greater choice and tailored service.

Background

In October 2014, the Ministry of Justice transferred responsibility for commissioning local victim services in Devon and Cornwall to the Police and Crime Commissioner.  To prepare for this the OPCC commissioning team worked with the University of Portsmouth to develop a victim needs assessment, consulting with victims, partners and service providers to explore what services people wanted and identify gaps in current provision.  A Commissioning Plan was developed and organisations were able to bid to provide the services.

In addition the OPCC is working closely with the commissioners of other victim services - namely Local Authorities and national government departments.  The PCC's grant funding and engagement fees supports local services and where opportunities arise the OPCC supports applications to national funding streams to enhance local service provision.

Reporting a crime

You can find information about the various ways to report a crime on the Devon and Cornwall Police's website