Victims and Witnesses

Being a victim of crime or going to court as a witness or victim of crime can be a difficult and worrying experience.

However, there's plenty of support available. In this section we've included information to make the process easier to understand as well as the names of local organisations that can give you practical and emotional support. 

Support for victims of crime

Being a victim of crime can be a difficult and stressful experience.

The victim section of the Criminal Justice System website provides an excellent 'virtual victims walkthrough’ that guides you through the processes you will encounter. From the time a crime is reported, through the police investigation, prosecution decision making, court processes and sentencing. It also provides information on the personal support that is available at all stages, including, when relevant, after the court case.

There's also information on how to report the crime, compensation, protecting yourself, victims’ charter and code of practice, what happens when prisoners are released, as well as an actual case scenario.

See below for details of local agencies that can offer you practical information and support.

Going to Court as a Witness

Going to court as a witness or as a victim of crime can be worrying, particularly if it is your first time and you don't know what to expect.

Visit the witness section of the Criminal Justice System website which gives information on what you can expect if you have been asked to appear as a witness in court.  It has also developed an interactive virtual tour to provide information about the criminal justice system (CJS) process as it relates to a witness of a crime.

There are also sections on child witnesses, payments to witnesses and the witness service. The witness service is run by the independent national charity, Victim Support, and helps victims, witnesses and their families or friends before, during and after the trial. Trained volunteers from the witness service provide free and confidential support to help you cope.

Local Support Agencies

If you've been a victim of crime, contact one of the local organisations listed below for support.

Victim Support Southwark
Tel: 020 7378 8886
info@vssouthwark.org.uk
62 Borough High Street
London SE1

Victim Support Southwark provides emotional support and practical information for witnesses attending court, advice on home security measures and advocacy on behalf of victims of crime. Specialist staff and volunteers provide support for victims of racial or homophobic abuse or domestic violence.
Most victims of crime are put in touch with Victim Support through the police. However you can make direct contact with them if you do not want to report the crime to the police.

Police Community Safety Unit (CSU)                                                                                           Tel: 020 7232 6237
Walworth Police Station
12-28 Manor Place
SE17

CSU provides support, information and advice to victims of hate crimes such as racial or homophobic abuse or domestic violence. Male and female police officers are specially trained in victim care.

SkY-VoC
Tel: 0800 052 1221
One Bradenham Close
SE17
Sky-VoC Works with young people aged 8 to 16 who are victims of or at risk from crime, bullying or intimidation. Offers free helpline for young people, 0800 052 1221. (If calling from a mobile there may be a charge.)

Southwark Anti-Social Behaviour Unit
Tel: 020 7232 7001
sasbu@southwark.gov.uk
PO Box 32703
London
SE1

SASBU supports victims by taking action against perpetrators of anti-social behaviour. Contact the unit for advice regarding persistent anti-social behaviour in your area.

Southwark Mediation
Tel: 020 7708 4959
92 Camberwell Road
SE15 

Offers mediation to prevent repeat victimisation.

Bede Centre
Abbeyfield Road
SE16
Opening hours: Wednesdays 2pm to 5pm and Thursdays 10am to 1pm

Offers practical support and counselling to victims of racial incidents and domestic violence and provides referrals to other sources of help. Contact the appropriate service at: 

Bede House Anti-Racist Project
Tel: 020 7232 1107
hatecrimeproject@bedehouse.org

Bede House Domestic Violence Project
Tel: 020 7237 9162
womendev36@hotmail.com 

Southwark Race and Equalities Council
Tel: 020 7635 8882 
36a Rye Lane SE15

Provides support to victims of racial discrimination.

Safe
91 Peckham High Street SE15

A drop in service for crime related issues.

Lesbian gay bi-sexual transgender helplines

There are a number of agencies that provide a range of services to the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender) community.