A multi-million-pound contract to care for victims of crime has been agreed by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire.
David Lloyd secured the £2.8 million four-year deal, which will begin this April.
It will ensures those who live in the county will continue to benefit from a scheme run through the Hertfordshire Beacon Victim Care Centre.
Independent case managers can provide emotional and practical support to victims of crime even if they have not reported the offence to the police.
The contract was renewed with Catch22, a not-for-profit business with a social mission, who have helped run Beacon since 2017 with the Constabulary’s Victim Services Team.
Mr Lloyd said: “Beacon is a flagship victim service centre. Here in Hertfordshire we have one of the largest teams of victim service professionals in the country. Catch22 have been key to this and I am delighted they will be carrying on with us.
“Beacon provides support for everything from criminal damage to those affected by serious sexual assaults and murder. It ensures victims are cared for and kept updated as their case progresses through the investigation and judicial system.
“Historically victims support was often run by volunteers but our model is staffed by professionals working to a service delivery programme that has provided evidence of positives outcomes. It is a long way from the traditional idea that victims are only offered sympathy with a cup of tea and slice of cake.
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“I have ensured continued investment in Beacon so it now has additional specialist teams which work with the victims of domestic violence, anti-social behaviour and fraud.”
Emma Jones, Assistant Director for Victims Services at Catch22, added: “We’ve supported hundreds of victims of crime over the last four years and we’re now in the privileged position to be able to help hundreds more. It’s not always easy for victims to come forward and ask for help.
“But whether it’s fraud, domestic violence or anti-social behaviour, we’re here to make sure they have someone to talk to who they can trust and who has the expertise to help them recover."
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