Victims of crime praise support service for turning around their lives
Victims of crime including a survivor of the Manchester terror attack have given powerful testimonies of their journey to recovery as part of an event highlighting the support available in Derbyshire for people affected by crime.
The event was held at the University of Derby on Wednesday March 14th to mark Derbyshire Victims Services’ (DVS) recent success in becoming the first victim care organisation to receive a coveted Victims Choice Quality Mark.
The event, attended by Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa, who funds the service, as well as stakeholders and criminal justice partners, saw current service users speaking frankly about how DVS’s practical and emotional support had enhanced their lives and enabled them to move on from their experiences.
One female victim, who survived the Manchester terror attack, described how traumatised she had been by the tragic events at the Ariana Grande concert and felt unable to leave the house for months until she began talking to a volunteer from DVS. She said calling the service had been the best decision she had ever made and explained how the support she had received had enabled her to return to work and gradually piece her life back together.
Meanwhile, a disabled woman, who was attacked and hit with her crutch in an incident in which her partner was left seriously injured, talked about the impact of the attack and how she wanted to share her story to give other victims the confidence to come forward and seek help.
Speaking after the event, Mr Dhindsa said: “I’m immensely proud of the positive impact DVS is having in the lives of vulnerable people whose lives have been shattered by crime.
“When you hear real testimonies of the devastating emotional and psychological consequences of crime it really puts it into perspective how vital the help we offer is to mental wellbeing.
“It’s critical we meet the needs of all victims of crime whatever their age, gender or background which is why we involved survivors of crime in the development of our recovery services.
“I’m honoured our work has been recognised with the first Victims Choice Quality Mark and look forward to helping many more people overcome the challenging emotions and loss of confidence that result from crime.”
The Victims Choice Quality Mark, launched by Supporting Justice CIC (Community Interest Company), assesses frontline victim care organisations against five core standards of performance to increase confidence among the public and victims of crime and demonstrate the value for money and effectiveness of commissioned services. It is the first system to assess the quality or suitability of victim care services in the country.
DVS, which is provided by leading restorative justice provider Remedi, met each of the robust standards and is the first organisation to receive the official mark of approval which certifies its ability to provide excellent victim care.
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