How we can help

As the independent charity for people affected by crime in England and Wales, we understand the impact crime has on people. We’ve been helping people to cope with the effects of crime for over 50 years and we know many people find it helpful to talk to someone.

Discussing your feelings in a safe, confidential environment can help you cope with your emotions. It can help you make sense of what you’ve been through. We have specialist trained workers who will listen to you and support you, and unlike with friends or family, you don’t have to worry about putting a burden on them.

We’re not a counselling service. However, we will listen to you with compassion and can help you find ways to manage and feel safer. Many people find this helps them move on from the crime. However, some people do need additional support such as counselling or other types of psychological help after a crime. We can help you find a service near you if you think this is something you need.

If you need medical treatment after a crime we can also help you deal with the health service. If you’ve been injured through a crime, you may be entitled to criminal injuries compensation. While it won’t help your injuries to heal, it may help you make adjustments to your life while you recover. We can explain your rights and how you can make a claim.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

Many people who experience a traumatic and stressful event, such as a crime, feel some very strong emotions, but these usually fade as time goes by.

Some people find their feelings and emotions do not improve, and perhaps get worse. They may go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a medical term used to describe a pattern of symptoms experienced by someone who has been traumatised. The symptoms are different for everyone but may include nightmares and flashbacks, sleeping problems, depression, and other physical and mental problems.

If you think this has started to happen to you, we suggest you get medical advice by talking to your GP. Any symptoms can then be treated professionally and your GP may be able to arrange some specialist counselling or help. But there may be a waiting list, so you can contact us for support in the meantime.

How to contact us

To find out more, or to see how we can help you, contact your local Victim Support office. Alternatively you can call our Supportline on freephone 08 08 16 89 111 for support and information, contact us via our 24/7 live chat service, or request support via our website. We also welcome calls via Relay UK.

You can also create a free account on My Support Space – Victim Support’s online resource containing interactive guides (including guides on wellbeing, coping strategies and difficult emotions) to help you move forward after crime.