Victims of crime in Staffordshire have helped shape changes to the way support is delivered.
Through the county’s Victims Forum, people affected by crime said they wanted clearer communication, to feel safer, and for services to better understand vulnerabilities, disabilities and additional needs.
The feedback has led to a series of changes by the Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office, Staffordshire Police and partner organisations. The measures apply across the county, including Stone and surrounding villages.
What victims said
Members of the Victims Forum spoke about wanting “better communication”, “to feel safe and supported” and “more consideration of vulnerabilities, disabilities and additional needs”.
That feedback was used to look at what good support looks like, and where improvements were needed.
Changes to communication
One of the main concerns raised was how victims receive updates about their case.
A new system has now been introduced for certain crime types. It gives victims direct access to updates and allows them to contact the officer in charge before a final outcome decision is made.
The aim is to reduce uncertainty and give people clearer information about what is happening.
Support for sexual violence victims
A separate process has also been introduced setting out the minimum expectations for Staffordshire Police and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors, known as ISVAs.
It focuses on support for victims of sexual violence, aims to improve engagement with the criminal justice system and supports recovery from harm.
Preparing victims for court
Another change looks at the support victims receive before attending court.
Staffordshire Police, along with New Era and Staffordshire Women’s Aid, now review all high-level cases, including domestic abuse, rape and serious sexual offences, to ensure victims’ needs are identified early.
This includes applying for any special measures required before a court hearing.
In one example, a victim of section 18 wounding with complex medical conditions, including severe epileptic seizures, would have found it extremely difficult to attend court in person. Alternative arrangements were organised so the victim could still support the trial without being present in court.
What leaders have said
Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams said:
“I am pleased to see the work my office, Staffordshire Police and local support services have done to improve victims’ experience following a crime.
“Crime can have significant impact on victims, and it is important that we support them through what can be an extremely vulnerable and difficult time in their lives.
“We value the feedback received from victims, have listened to what they have told us and have made improvements to how Police and partners operate. We will continue to talk to victims about how we can improve.”
Superintendent Karen Green, head of criminal justice at Staffordshire Police, said:
“This initiative is designed to turn feedback into action, ensuring that insights from those with lived experience directly influence our policies, practices and training, helping us to enhance victim care and drive positive change alongside our partners.
“We look forward to continuing this valuable, active and transparent engagement with victims from across our communities.”
The organisations involved say they will continue to work with the Victims Forum to monitor how the changes are working and to identify further improvements.
