During the coronavirus outbreak, the office of the police and crime commissioner (OPCC) will make sure you receive support and guidance if you are a victim of a crime.
You will continue to be supported if you are already receiving this from one of our providers. A number are now working from home in line with advice from Public Health England, so your support might be:
- over the phone
- over video messaging (for example skype, facetime)
Contact your provider for more information on how they will continue to support you.
If you are a victim looking for support in your area visit the OPCC website. You can search for a service depending on the area in which you live.
You can also report any non-emergency incidents to us via live chat. All reports are sent over a secure internet connection and all information is treated confidentially.
We recommend visiting the government for help and advice around:
- all support services that are available
- how courts are being kept safe, secure and clean
- being asked to take part in an audio or video hearing
Here is a message from Suzanne Llewyn, the Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor, around the Crown Prosecution Service's response to the coronavirus outbreak:
"During the pandemic, The Crown Prosecution Service has continued to work closely with the Police building strong cases in readiness for Court. Due to the pandemic and the initial Government advice to stay at home and not use public transport, the Magistrates and Crown Courts needed to pause trial work.
As the Chief Officer with the lead for Victims, Witnesses and Bereaved families at the Crown Prosecution Service, I appreciate that the delay in having cases concluded causes real upset and frustration for those most affected by crime. The Courts service has now resumed trials and will be working hard to deal with outstanding cases. The Court service have worked closely with Public Health England to ensure measures are in place to enable victims, witnesses and bereaved families to attend court safely.
There will be occasions when victims and witnesses can give evidence, behind a screen or by a video link in appropriate circumstances. The Witness Care Units, work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure that everyone can have access to justice."
Victim Support line
Your local Victim Support team is available to provide free confidential, emotional, and practical support to victims and witnesses of crime in the West Midlands. Call them on 0300 303 1977. Their lines are open 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.
You can talk to someone online by clicking the “need to talk” button on their website. This is available 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
If you need to speak to someone outside of these hours, Victim Support also operates a 24/7 emotional and practical support line for anyone who:
- has been a victim of crime
- is a witness who needs support or information.
The number is 0808 1689 111 and is free to call. Information can also be found online.
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid
Provides services to women and children who have been affected by domestic violence, including FGM and HBV. Offers helpline, community based drop in, emergency accommodation, outreach support and counselling, family support, support with criminal and civil law.
0808800 0028 (helpline)
Coventry Haven Women’s Aid
Provides services to women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse, including emotional and practical support, support for FGM.
Black Country Women’s aid
Black Country Women’s Aid supports people experiencing domestic violence and abuse in Sandwell, Dudley and Walsall. We offer sensitive and holistic support that help victims of abuse and their children to escape from violence, cope with trauma and rebuild their lives. BCWA’s Independent Domestic Violence Advice Service offers support in the community and at court, and our refuges offer a safe place for survivors and their children fleeing domestic abuse.
0121 552 6448 (24 hour helpline)
info@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk
The Haven Wolverhampton
Refuge and support for women and families experiencing domestic abuse. Provides a dedicated service for children aged 0 – 16.
08000 194 400 (24 hour helpline)
West Midlands Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
CRASAC (Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre)
whether it is historic or recent, including victims of child sexual exploitation. Provides a range of services to women, men and children from the age of 5 years. Services include helpline, counselling, advocacy (including support through the Criminal Justice Process), group, youth work and Community based support.
RSVP
Supports all survivors of sexual abuse in Birmingham and Solihull. Provides counselling and ISVA service support
0121 643 4136 (helpline not 24 hours)
Black Country Women’s Aid
Sexual Violence Service
Stalking Service
Modern Slavery Service
0121 552 6448 (24 hour helpline)
info@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk
National helplines
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
NSPCC - If you're worried about a child, or you work with children and need advice or information, call our helpline on 0808 800 5000 - we're here Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm or 9am – 6pm at the weekends.
Samaritans - 24 hours, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free.