- Transformational digital service to support victims of crime
launched in Greater Manchester
- The Greater Manchester Victims' Services (GMVS) website and
self-referral gateway acts as one-stop-shop for advice,
information and support services
- The service has been designed with input from victims and
partners across Greater Manchester's Voluntary, Community, Faith,
and Social Enterprise sector
A new digital service has launched to give victims of crime in
Greater Manchester a single place to go for help and support.
The Greater Manchester Victims' Services (GMVS) website and
self-referral gateway portal brings together information,
resources and referral routes, designed around the real-life
experiences of victims in our city-region.
It means people can now:
- Access a new GMVS website – a one-stop-shop for advice,
information and support services.
- Use a self-referral gateway portal – a secure tool where
victims can manage their own records and engagement with
services.
- Explore a new criminal justice timeline microsite – setting
out what happens after a crime is reported, right through to the
court process.
The new platform is open to anyone affected by crime, whether or
not they have reported it to the police. It aims to simplify
access to support, build trust in services, and reduce the risk
of victims being retraumatised by having to retell their story.
, Deputy Mayor for Safer and
Stronger Communities, said:
“Every victim's experience is unique based on a number of factors
including the nature of the offence itself and their own personal
circumstances, but all deserve to feel heard, supported and
empowered. This new platform puts victims' needs at the heart of
the system, making it easier to get the right help in the right
way at the right time.
“I'm proud of the work that has been done in recent years to
build trust in our criminal justice system, and I hope this tool
will help to reduce the anxiety and uncertainty victims can
experience and encourage them to come forward for information and
support.”
Caroline Lumsdon, Head of Service, Greater Manchester
Victims Services, said:
“Greater Manchester Victims' Services offers support to anyone
aged 4 and over who has been affected by crime.
“Our dedicated team of Victim Care Coordinators provides expert;
personalised support tailored to your individual needs. We've
designed our services to be easy to access, and we work closely
with a range of specialist victim support organisations across
Greater Manchester.
“Whatever your circumstances, we're here to help.”
The service supports Greater Manchester's
wider ambitions to ensure people can access everyday support
around safety, health and wellbeing in every neighbourhood.
The GMVS website and portal is free and available to anyone
living in Greater Manchester who has been affected by crime,
whether directly, as a witness, or as a family member. The
service has been designed with input from victims and partners
across Greater Manchester's VCFSE sector.
Victims can self-refer into the service or be referred by a
professional (e.g. police, GP, support worker).
Notes to editors
For further information or to access the service, visit www.gmvictims.org.uk
