Devon and Cornwall police has launched a new "Victim Care Unit" to provide victims with immediate support and referral to a wide range of support organisations with key specialism’s such as mental health.

The Victim Care Unit will help victims of crime reach a number of accredited support organisations and national agencies, allowing the police to tailor the service provided to the needs of the victim.

Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police, Shaun Sawyer said: “After experiencing crime, people are affected in many different ways and for many being a victim of crime is very distressing and upsetting. I believe it is extremely important to provide the most appropriate aftercare support, tailored to the individual.

"We are committed to giving victims the best possible advice and support; and working with the PCC our new fully trained Victim Care Unit, along with service providers from the voluntary and community sectors will be at the heart of this.”

PCC Tony Hogg said the new service is all about putting victims first

 “This innovative new system will make sure victims get exactly the help and support they need. Devon and Cornwall is leading the way in creating a system that effectively connects those in need with organisations that can help them at a time when they need it most,” said Mr Hogg.

Rosie, a sexual abuse survivor, who lives in Cornwall, said: “To be able to put the power back into the victims lives, taken away from them through whatever’s happened, is such a magnificent step into recovery. This is about giving the victims more of a choice, and letting them choose what their priority is.”

Maggie Parks from the Women’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre, Cornwall said: “It’s been the first time that victim centred organisations have been closely consulted over quite a long period. Victims themselves have been involved in the consultation on how the Victim Care Unit is actually going to work. We’ve been really pleased that the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner has actually moved this initiative forward.”

The network of victim care providers will be supported by, and accessed through, a dedicated website - www.victimcaredevonandcornwall.org.uk/ This gives victims a comprehensive guide to 60 accredited support organisations, links to more than 100 national agencies and significant extra information. Users will be able to navigate the site by need, crime type or geography. Victims who don’t wish to report crimes to police can also access the website and use a separate helpline - 0300 3039 5473.