For every crime that is committed or incident of antisocial behaviour inflicted, it is crucial to remember how far the repercussions spread and the devastating impact it can cause in people’s lives. This applies to not just victims but also their family and friends as well as communities and witnesses.
That is why one of my top priorities is ensuring that anyone affected by crime receives the free support they not only need but deserve by investing more than £9.5 million last year alone to commission a wide range of more than 40 services.
These include support for victims of domestic violence abuse, sexual violence, antisocial behaviour, theft and business crime, youth services and restorative justice.
A service I am particularly proud of is the Devon & Cornwall Police Victim Care Unit (VCU) which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. The free, specialist support service is available to any victim of crime – whether it has been reported to the police or not.
To mark the thousands of people from all walks of life it has gone above and beyond to help during the past decade, Devon & Cornwall Police is launching its first dedicated Victim Focus Week. It is taking place from April 28 to May 2, with a wide range of events being to improve services to victims and ensure policing is as victim-centred as possible.
Police officers do an excellent job investigating crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice but, disappointingly, there are times when the victims of those crimes don’t always receive the support they should.
During Victim Focus Week, a Lived Experience Day will take place to reinforce the requirements of victim rights under the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime (VCOP). Victims will give first-hand accounts of the impact crime has had on their lives, how they were supported and where services could be improved.
Bereaved mother Lisa Squire will bravely share the devastation she has experienced following the tragic death of her 21-year-old daughter Libby Squire who was raped and murdered following a night out in Hull in 2019. It is only through such personal insights that lessons can be learned, and better support and protection provided for victims.
Victim Focus Week will also raise more awareness of how police and the public can better utilise the exceptional support provided daily by the VCU and its partner organisations. Last year, 36,085 victims were supported by my network of support services.
The need for it has never been more apparent; latest force figures that reveal there were 104,811 victim-based crimes recorded in the 12 months to February 2025. It’s an increase of 13.5 per cent compared with the previous year which is why I remain committed to reducing crime and disorder through innovative prevention and rehabilitation measures.
I would urge anyone who has been a victim a crime, whether or not it has been reported to the police, to take that first step and reach out for help when you are ready to do so. Experiencing a crime can be daunting and overwhelming but you are not alone – and there is access to the support you need.
To access free victim support, please visit the OPCC’s Victim Care website, www.victimcare-dc.org for more details. To contact the Devon & Cornwall Police Victim Care Unit email victimcareunit@dc.police.uk or call 01392 475900.
Alternatively, if you have not reported your crime to the police, then support is available from Victim Support, an independent charity commissioned by the OPCC. For more details visit https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ or call 0808 168 9111 (24-hour support line).