A NEW free service helping victims of crime is launching next month.
The Victim Advice Line (VAL) will offer a free and confidential service to support those affected by crime in the county.
VAL works with the victim on their individual needs and is open to people who haven’t reported the crime to West Mercia Police.
This new hotline is part of Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion’s commitment to ensuring victims of crime receive an improved and more consistent service.
It is being introduced having been adopted successfully across the country.
The service also refers people to organisations that can offer further support including Axis, West Mercia Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre, Victim Support and Women’s Aid.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “The Victim Advice Line will look at an individual and make sure they’re getting the level of support they need.
“By doing this we hope to give victims greater confidence and satisfaction that will help in moving forward with their life.”
Assistant Chief Constable Martin Evans added: “West Mercia strives to put victims at the heart of what we do and the support that the Victim Advice Line will provide alongside us will be invaluable.
“The majority of staff that will be working within the Victim Advice Line already have a great deal of experience in supporting victims of crime and their enthusiasm and determination to provide the best service possible is very clear to see.”
The line 0800 952 3000, goes live on April 1.
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