Victims of crime will benefit from the support of a new Criminal Justice Victim Liaison Officer, Nicola Stavers.
Nicola’s post is funded by Ron Hogg, Police Crime and Victims Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, and delivered by the Victim Care and Advice Service.
The Criminal Justice System is complex and made up of a variety of different processes and organisations. It can be a daunting, and sometimes stressful experience for anybody who engages in it. This complexity can impact significantly upon a victims experience and ability to cope and recover from the impact of their crime. Ron gives top priority to the needs to victims and Nicola’s role reflects this. She will work in partnership with relevant criminal justice agencies to help ensure that a victim’s voice is heard, that they feel safe, and that they are kept informed about the progress of their case.
Speaking about the new role, Ron Hogg said:
“Nicola will work with victims throughout the system, acting as a continuous point of contact to ensure they receive the support and information they need to allow them to cope and recover from the impact of their crime and to navigate through this intimidating system. This role is being piloted for twelve months initially to enable us to further understand the needs of victims and ensure they have access to the right services, when they need them. I look forward to the positive outcomes.”
VCAS have already provided support to over 920 victims of crime across County Durham and Darlington in 2018. Nicola will be able to draw on the wider support they offer to victims, whilst providing personalised, accessible support as a continuous point of contact for victims of crime following a charging decision.
Nicola Stavers, Criminal Justice Victims Liaison Officer said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity and I look forward to developing the role to make a positive difference to victims who are struggling to work with the complexities of the Criminal Justice System.”
