The crime charity Victim Support helped Pembrokeshire victims win nearly £30,000 in compensation last year, according to its annual report. On top of that, they assisted hundreds more victims and witnesses across the county.
Heralding their annual general meeting, the independent charity reported a big 42 per cent increase in contact with victims of crime in Pembrokeshire, and a staggering 49 per cent growth in the number of witnesses supported at court during the year 2006/7. Across the whole Dyfed area, the charity supported 10,093 victims and 1,850 witnesses.
"We are very pleased to see the big increases," said Victim Support area manager, Peter Gilbert. "They don't really represent more crimes being committed, but more people using their rights under the new Victims' Code of Practice or more defence and prosecution witnesses being supported in court.
"Until now we have often been frustrated that victims who really needed our support weren't told we existed. Under the Victims' Code of Practice, the police are obliged to tell every victim of the support that's available. We are really pleased that the message is now starting to reach the ears of more people," he added.
The increase in work has meant that Victim Support's team of trained volunteers and staff have been busier than ever, with an estimated 10,010 hours being put in by volunteers alone.
"Although most of the victims Victim Support deals with reported the crime to the police, it doesn't have to be that way to get support," said Pembrokeshire co-ordinator Pippa Bawden. "We also have individuals who contact us direct, preferring no police involvement, sometimes long after the events took place."
And the charity launched a new Wales-wide telephone number that connects the caller to the nearest Victim Support office: 08456 1-2-1 900. The types of assistance the charity offers include listening to the victim, helping the victim 'get over' their ordeal sometimes by accompanying them to the place of the incident, offering practical assistance and advice, and advocacy with other agencies such as housing associations.
The charity helps victims complete claim forms and can attend appeals on their behalf that last year resulted in awards totalling £29,038 for Pembrokeshire victims. In court, the charity's Witness Service volunteers wait with witnesses, explaining what's going on and helping put the person at their ease.
The report records a reduction in funding from government, with overall income down £11,596 over the past two years, and end of year balances down £7,731.
The annual general meeting is being held on Tuesday, September 25, at 2 pm in the Carmarthen (St. Peter's) Bowling Club. All are welcome.