Victim Support

Victims of robbery might find it hard to get back on their feet emotionally, physically or practically afterwards. They may have already been vulnerable when they were targeted by the suspect (create a vulnerable person to notice record on Connect if applicable).

Medical aid must be offered/provided whenever you suspect someone is injured or in shock. But it's also good practice to advise victims to visit their GP or other medical professional if they continue to experience stress, anxiety or low mood in the weeks or months that follow an incident. 

After the initial shock of the incident has passed there can be longer term effects, such as post trauma stress, which can develop into PTSD, and continue to impact the victim (e.g. reminders of the circumstances of the incident can cause the victim's body to react and feel as if the incident is happening to them again. They can also unconsciously become hyper vigilant, on the look out for danger, anxious or depressed. PTSD is particularly distressing for people when they are experiencing symptoms but haven't been diagnosed and don't yet have an explanation for what's happening to them). This can be difficult for friends or family to relate to and victims can feel isolated as they try to get on with their lives with their new symptoms. 

Information and support from partner agencies can help to empower victims and increase their insight into their situation. Relaxation/calming techniques which orient the person to their current time and place and/or encourage them to breathe normally can also help with the symptoms of anxiety, panic attacks etc which are common with PTSD (see the Good Thinking website below for links to relaxation techniques and apps). These techniques can also give victims the resilience to see the judicial process through and give their evidence to the best of their ability.

Trauma can impact the victim's ability to engage with police and the judicial process. In the immediate aftermath of an incident victims may not be able to give a full account of what happened straight away in a clear timeline, or immediately recall all of the details. This may improve over time. Victims may also find further police contact about the incident retraumatising and benefit from support around this. 

If there is going to be a trial, it's also helpful to victims to remove some of the unknowns by arranging a court visit so that they can visualise what it will be like when they give their evidence. Witness Care at the court can facilitate this. Often victims don't begin to recover from the psychological impacts of crime until after the investigation and/or judicial process is complete and they can begin to move forward. 

If a victim's ability to concentrate and retain new information has been impacted, it's helpful to know where to find important information about the judicial process and to be able to refer back to it when needed.

Free, confidential and independent initial and ongoing support for all victims and witnesses of crime in London. When a victim calls the helpline they’ll be offered immediate help and assistance and may be referred to a caseworker based in their area who will make contact with them within 24 hours to support them further. If help is requested via the website the victim's local team will contact them within 3 working days.

The website includes information on the police investigative process as it effects them (e.g. VCOP, disposal options, who decides which cases go to court) and court processes. Provided by Victim Support and MOPAC. There is also a link to a local support service directory.

Website: Home - London Victim and Witness Service (londonvws.org.uk)

Helpline:  0808 168 9291

Independent, free, and confidential advice for victims of crime. The website also includes information on crime types, court processes, the after effects of being a victim of crime and how to move forward.

View website to find details on how to access support via phonecall, App, British Sign Language videocall, or live chat 24/7:

Home - Victim Support