The Victim Support Scheme supports victims of all crimes if an offender receives a 12 month custodial sentence or longer. They are part of HM Prison & Probation Service
Initial contact is through letter giving information on what support is offered, this is followed by a phone call in which a Victim Liaison officer will introduce themselves and explain what support they are able to offer to you. If you would like support a home visit will then be arranged where the Victim Liaison officer will come out to visit and explain in more detail the role they will play in supporting you.
Initial contact is made after sentencing then again nearer the end of the sentence prior to the offenders release.
You will kept updated throughout the offenders sentence of any changes such as move on from Prison, release dates, parole hearing and licensing conditions.
You are able to, if you wish, be involved within the release process and have your voice heard at any *MAPPA or Professionals meeting to let your thoughts and feelings be heard and have restrictions such as exclusion zones and no contact restrictions put in to place within any license conditions this can be for yourself, family or any Children.
*MAPPA – Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements.
Upon being released from prison many perpetrators will have conditions or be placed on a license. The amount of time will depend on what the judge deems appropriate. Your Victim Liaison officer will explain sentences and conditions given and speak with you about any conditions you like to request be taken into consideration.
Any restrictions/recommendations put in place at a MAPPA meeting will exceed those of a *MARAC. If a MAPPA meeting does not take place a MARAC meeting, for all High Risk Offenders, should.
*MARRAC – Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference
This will be put forward by either your DA Support worker, Victim Support Officer or the Probation Officer managing the offender, to allow all agencies full awareness to keep the survivor and any children safe.
Exclusion Zones – These can be put in place to ensure a survivor can live as freely as possible, to reduce risk and fear of seeing the perpetrator within certain areas they live and work. There will be repercussions for a perpetrator if they enter an excluded area as this will be classed as a breach of condition or license.
No Contact – No contact conditions prevent a perpetrator seeking out or making contact with any person, listed on their license conditions. Any breach of this is punishable and has repercussions for the perpetrator.
Curfews – Curfews are times given to an offender when they must be home/in approved premises. For example an offender may be told they have to be within their home/approved premises during the times of 11pm and 6am.
Taggs – Taggs are used to ensure offenders keep to Curfews given. There are repercussions if conditions are breached.