Confidentiality

Our service is confidential, and unless we believe there’s a risk of harm or it’s a legal requirement, we will always protect your confidentiality and not pass on your personal details or any other information that could identify you without your permission.

The following examples explain how and when we may have to disclose information, both with and without your permission.

• We can always share information with other people/agencies if we have your informed consent to do so.
• If you give us reason to believe that you or someone else is at risk of significant harm, we may need to inform another agency such as social services or the police. Unless that risk is imminent we will discuss the situation with you before disclosing anything.
• If we suspect that a child or young person is at risk of harm we must inform children’s services. This is a legal requirement.
• If a judge or magistrate directs that information must be disclosed to the court, we will comply with the direction.

Victim Support is often asked by the media to provide ‘case studies’ to explain the impact of crime on individuals and to illustrate the wider issues around a particular crime. We do so only with the written and informed consent of the individuals involved.

You can always get immediate support by calling our Supportline for free on 08 08 16 89 111. We also welcome calls via Relay UK on 18001 08 08 16 89 111. The Supportline is a member of the Helplines Partnership.

Information for children and young people

Find out more about our confidentiality policy for children and young people. If you’re under 18, you can find out how we keep your information safe here (download pdf).