A message from Durham Police and Crime Commissioner... Victims deserve more than justice, they deserve a first class victims service!

When people think about policing, they often think it is about catching criminals. But as Police and Crime Commissioner, one of my most important responsibilities is standing alongside victims when they need us most.

The impact of crime does not end when an offender is arrested, or a court case concludes. For many victims, that is when the real journey begins. The emotional trauma, loss of confidence and impact on families can last long after the headlines have faded. That is why I have always believed victims deserve more than sympathy, they deserve practical help, compassionate support and someone who will champion their rights.

That is why I am proud to launch our new Victim Care and Mentor Service (VCAMS). By bringing together our Victim Care and Advice Service and Community Peer Mentor Service under one identity, we are making it easier for people to find the support they need while strengthening the personalised care we provide.

This is far more than a rebrand. It reflects my determination to deliver a first-class service that puts victims at the heart of everything we do.

Our dedicated teams have already supported thousands of people across County Durham and Darlington, helping them cope with the impact of crime, rebuild confidence, and move forward with their lives. Whether someone has experienced domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour, fraud, theft or the devastating consequences of a serious road collision, support is available, even if the crime has never been reported to the police.

Many people do not realise that Police and Crime Commissioners do far more than hold the police to account. We commission services that help victims recover, give victims a voice in shaping those services and work with partners to ensure support is available when people need it most. For me, helping victims recover is every bit as important as bringing offenders to justice.

I am proud that our work is making a real difference. Feedback shows 95% of victims using our services are satisfied that the support they received has met their needs, reflecting the compassion, professionalism and dedication of our staff and volunteers.

Alongside VCAMS, I continue to fund specialist support for victims of crime, domestic abuse and survivors and anti-social behaviour, a dedicated Road Victim Care Officer embedded within Durham Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit and help to ensure victims lived experience help improve the services we provide. These are not extras; they are vital services that help people rebuild their lives.

I also want to reach out to anyone living in County Durham and Darlington affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal. If you are still living with the emotional impact of what happened, please know you do not have to face it alone. Support is available, whatever stage you are at.

If you have been affected by crime, or know someone who has, please do not suffer in silence. The Victim Care and Mentor Service provides free, confidential, and independent support tailored to your needs. Call 0800 138 2020 email victimcare@durham-pcc.gov.uk or visit www.durham-pcc.gov.uk.

No one should have to face the impact of crime alone. As your Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue working every day to ensure every victim is heard, supported, and given the opportunity to recover and rebuild their life. It is important to remember you do not have to have reported a crime to receive help, VCAMS is there to help and support all victims of crime living in County Durham and Darlington.