Ministry of Justice Coronavirus Guidance – Victim and Witness Support Services

Coronavirus (COVID–19) is likely to cause some disruption to victim and witness services. Victims and witnesses who are already receiving support from their local services providers should contact their support service in the first instance. There may be a shift towards emotional and practical support being provided remotely due to Government advice on social distancing. This may cause some disruption to face to face victim and witness support services.

To ensure that all victims and witnesses of crime receive the support they need, the following specialist helplines are available to assist you:

Victim Supportline

Victim Support operates a 24/7 Supportline offering emotional and practical support for anyone who has been a victim of crime or a witness who needs support or information.

The number is 0808 1689 111 and is free to call

Information can also be found online at www.victimsupport.org.uk

Support for victims of sexual violence and abuse

If you are already receiving support from a rape and sexual abuse support service, those services will continue to do all they can to provide you with the support you need.

Where services may be disrupted then support is available from the following services who will provide free of charge information, advice or emotional support, in confidence.

The National Male Rape and Sexual Abuse webchat support service at www.survivorsuk.org

The National Male Survivor Helpline

Phone: 0808 800 5005

• Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
• Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00am to 8:00pm
• Saturday: 10:00am to 2:00pm

The Male Survivors Partnership website has a directory of services for male survivors local services.

The Survivors Trust

Phone:08088 010 818

• Open Monday to Thursday 10:00am to 6:00pm
• Friday 10:00am – 2:00pm

Rape Crisis England and Wales

Phone: 0808 802 9999

Open 12:00pm to 2:30pm and 7pm to 9:30pm every day of the year.

Outside of these opening times, please contact Victim Supportline on 0808 169 2591.

Live chat service

Support for victims of Domestic Abuse

If you are experiencing Domestic Abuse, you are not alone. Please contact:

REFUGE – The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247

Information can also be found online at www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Women’s Aid run a webchat service: chat.womensaid.org.uk/

The webchat service is available Monday to Friday 10:00am – 12:00pm.

RespectUK helpline for male victims of Domestic Abuse

Website: //mensadviceline.org.uk/

Phone: 0808 8010327

• Open Monday and Wednesday 9am to 8pm
• Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 9am to 5pm

Emai: info@mensadviceline.org.uk

Witness Service

Citizens Advice provide free, independent emotional and practical support to victims and witnesses of crime required to attend court to give evidence.

Self-referrals can be made online on the Citizens Advice website.

The Witness Service will temporarily cease to provide in-court support for victims, witnesses and bereaved family members from Monday 23 March 2020. Citizens Advice will continue to support you before and after court proceedings and referrals should continue to be made to access this support.

Trials

Find the latest information about trials on GOV.UK.