Help for witnesses of crime

As part of an initiative from the government called 'No Witness No Justice', more support for witnesses is being provided in a number of areas, one being the Witness Care Unit, based at Swinton Police Station.

The aim of the unit is to support witnesses through the process from giving a written statement to the police, to giving evidence in court. The unit's specially trained officers will aim to provide practical and moral support to victims and witnesses of crime by phone. An officer will support the same person from start to finish and will start by carrying out a needs assessment. They will also have a directory of organisations and agencies to refer to for extra support, if appropriate. The Witness Outreach Service and Victim Support and Witness Service are two services offering support to victims and witnesses of crime.

Witness Outreach Service

The Witness Outreach Service is a free, confidential and independent community based project run by Salford City Council's Community Safety Unit as part of the initiatives to make Salford a safer place.

Officers with many years experience in the criminal justice system work with anyone who lives or works in Salford and has been affected by crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour, our aim is to offer friendly, impartial advice together with guidance, practical support and information.

By conducting personal visits and carrying out a risk assessment, we are enabled to put together an individual package of support to cater for the individuals needs. We support witnesses and potential witnesses from the moment an offence happens through the criminal justice process, up to court and beyond. We mainly work with adults but we also work with children, young people and their families.

If you have been affected by crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour and unsure as to what to do, or you would like more information regarding the service:

Telephone: 0161 793 3590
Email: witness.outreach@salford.gov.uk

All details given will be treated as strictly confidential.

Victim Support and Witness Service

Victim Support and Witness Service is a national service which provides information, practical help and emotional support to people who have been a victim of crime and their family and friends. The service is confidential, free of charge and independent of the police and courts. It is available to everyone, whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened.

The Witness Service helps victims and witnesses together with their families familiarise themselves with the court and it's procedures whilst also giving emotional support in dealing with the impact of crime. There is also a separate service for young people between the ages of five and 17 years old. To contact the service:

Telephone: 0161 727 0230
Email: info@victimsupport-salford.co.uk

Address:

Victim Support and Witness Service
153-157 Chorley Road
Swinton
Salford
M27 4AE

This page was last updated on 1 May 2012