AN AVON and Somerset police victim and witness care scheme will be developed as enhanced support services are implemented in April.


Victims of crime and anti-social behaviour will benefit from the enhanced help and support with newly commissioned services, alongside the recently launched Lighthouse integrated victim care teams.


The Lighthouse teams guide victims through their journey from first point of contact with the police, through the investigation and on to the end of the criminal justice process.


These teams have brought together victim contact roles in the police service, co-located with partners, to provide a more coordinated end-to-end care for victims.


Sue Mountstevens, the police and crime commissioner who was transferred responsibility for commissioning victim services in Avon and Somerset in October 2014, said: “Responsibility for commissioning local services was passed to police and crime commissioners because the Ministry of Justice wanted services for victims to be tailored according to local need.


“We’ve used this opportunity to speak to victims in our area, as well as organisations who work with victims, to find out what people in our communities need.


“We’ve started from scratch to review what’s right for our communities in 2015 and come up with a fresh approach, rather than simply continuing with what already existed.


“I’m really excited about the new services and am confident that they will help those people who unfortunately experience crime and anti-social behaviour.”


The aim of Lighthouse is to provide greater ownership of the whole journey of a victim, reducing handovers and providing a ‘single point of contact’ approach, and radically simplifying the process for victims.


Newly commissioned services also include the Emotional Support Service, provided by Victim Support, the Adults Advocacy Service, provided by The Care Forum, the Modern Slavery Support Service, provided by Unseen UK and more.


For more information visit www.avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk.