Two Herts schemes for victims highlighted

Two pioneering schemes to help victims in Hertfordshire have been featured in a national report highlighting the work of Police and Crime Commissioners.

The publication Victims In Focus, looks at PCCs who have implemented and developed practices which support victims, and demonstrate their collaborative approach to tackling some of the most harmful and traumatic crimes.

Under the section ‘PCCs Advocating for Victims’ the creating of the Hertfordshire Beacon Family Hub is covered. This service was commissioned by David Lloyd as a support service for families where child-on-parent violence or abuse has occurred.

Using a £123,000 Ministry of Justice Grant it funds two workers for two years to provide group parent programmes, one-to-one support for children and parents and restorative interventions for the whole family.

The second scheme is included in ‘PCCs Developing Innovative Services for Victims’ and concentrates on how the PCC reacted to high public concern over anti-social behaviour. An ASB advocacy case manager has been funded in a successful pilot to help those who are repeat victims.

Mr Lloyd said: “Investigations into ASB incidents can be protracted, often requiring multi-agency involvement and this can be bewildering and frustrating for victims. This programme gives victims a voice and has improved the lies of scores of residents. If my office didn’t provide this provision it would not exist.”

The report has been published by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners PCC as part of the Ten Years of PCCs Making A Difference campaign.