MyLife

Service summary

Victim Support (Redbridge) offers free practical and emotional support to victims of crime, witnesses, their family, friends and anyone else affected.

How crime can affect people
Being a victim of crime can lead to all kinds of problems, some of which can be very hard to deal with. You may find that you are shocked and confused by how emotional you feel. If you report the crime, a police investigation and a court case can add to the strain you may already be feeling.

Everyone reacts differently to crime; your reaction and recovery can be affected by your personality, how others treat you, and even other things that have happened in your life. Whether or not you receive support after the offence can also make a difference, as can the type of crime and whether or not you know the offender. One person may cope well with a crime that somebody else would consider to be devastating; equally another person may struggle to deal with a crime that others think is relatively minor.

Although most victims do not suffer long-term harm, both adults and children may be deeply affected and have a very strong emotional reaction. Many victims have said that felt shock, upset, fear, anger, guilt or depression, but everyone does respond differently. A small number of people may experience a more severe, long-lasting reaction after a traumatic experience, which is sometimes described as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

About Victim Support
Victim Support (Redbridge) offers free practical and emotional support to victims of crime, witnesses, their family, friends and anyone else affected. They are not part of the Police and you do not need to have reported a crime to the Police to receive support from them. Support is offered at any time, whether the crime happened yesterday, a week or several years ago.

A Witness Service is also available in Barkingside Magistrates Court and Snaresbrook Crown Court to support witnesses and their family/friends attending court.

Volunteers are extremely important to the Victim Support Service and essential to our work (both Victim and Witness services). You don’t need any qualifications or previous experience, just willingness and a little time. Full training is given. If anyone is interested in becoming a volunteer please contact Victim Support (Redbridge).