Who are we?
The Staffordshire Victim Gateway is a free and confidential local service that provides information, advice and practical and emotional support to all victims of crime in Staffordshire and Stoke-on -Trent. We support victims from the point of reporting a crime to the Police, throughout their entire Criminal Justice journey and to the point where they are able to regain the control over their lives again.
We will also support victims who for whatever reason have made the difficult decision not to report their experience to the Police but may still need support to help them come to terms with what has happened to them. As a service we acknowledge that anyone can become a victim of crime. It affects people in many different ways, for some this can be a difficult and often distressing experience that can leave them feeling angry, afraid or just unsure of what to do next. Others may feel numb and it can be some time before the true impact of what has happened is felt.
We know that the prospect of appearing in court, and the process that precedes it should victims be required to, can be a confusing and daunting experience. We can help them prepare for this and make sure that all the support and any special measures needed are in place. Our service is committed to helping individuals and families to cope with their experience of becoming a victim of crime and to help them to recover from any harm caused and we will do that in the way most appropriate to them and their circumstances.
Eligibility
The following are eligible for services from the Staffordshire Victim Gateway:
- Adult and child victims of crime
- Emotional support for victims of business crime.
- Those reporting the crime to the police.
- Those not reporting the crime to the police.
- Victims irrespective of residence status, citizenship or nationality.
- Historic or current victims of crime.
- Residents of Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent (including where the crime occurred outside of the area).
Exclusion criteria
We unfortunately cannot provide a support service to:
- Victims of antisocial behaviour where there is no criminality. In these circumstances you can contact Harmony ASB service (Harmony ASB support service, Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent – Victim Support).
- Non-residents of Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, even if the crime was committed within Staffordshire. However, we can refer you on to your most local services.
- Non-notifiable offences.
- Practical support for victims of Business Crime.
- Crimes against the State.
- Workers of and visitors to Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent (where the crime occurred in the area).
- Nationally funded services e.g. Homicide Service (see section 3.5.6), Witness Service (see section 3.5.3).
- Individuals who have contact with the Police as a result of their vulnerability, but are not a victim of crime.
NOTE: We cannot support child victims under the age of 16 without the consent of a parent or carer