The Role of the Victims Champion

In December 2013, Martin George retired from VANEL after three years in the role of our local Victims Champion.
Thank you Martin and very best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement.

Martin played a critical role locally, in ensuring victims of crime were properly represented. The effects of repeat incidents of ASB, low level crime and hate crime can lead to a life of misery both for an individual and a family, sometimes with tragic consequences. There is no provision within the government’s agenda for these victims and they are often left with no voice and nowhere to turn. Martin worked tirelessly far longer than his contracted hours to ensure that the victim’s voice was heard within North East Lincolnshire and that the right support was put in place. Agencies are held to account for their actions and all cases are taken
seriously from the outset to resolve the matter at the earliest opportunity.

Martin helped setup Victim Panels where past and present victims meet under safe conditions to discuss their issues and give support to other victims.  The ambition locally has been to create a Neighbourhood Watch style of support mechanism where victims have the ability to speak to other victims. This will help to reinforce to them that they are not alone and that support is there for them both through the network and the various agencies which Martin has opened the door to. Without Martin’s achievements North East Lincolnshire would not have the current victim focus it has and life would be so much worse for many residents.

We have just received confirmation that this work will continue to be funded up to 30th September 2014 therefore we will be identifying a new Victims Champion shortly.

Amongst other things, Martin also delivered Safeguarding Training courses on behalf of VANEL.
Our most recent session was delivered to the Islamic Association who had this to say “On behalf of the Islamic Association of Grimsby, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in constructing and delivering the Safeguarding training course.  Every one has enjoyed it so much and it was so useful for their role in the
society”.

Keep an eye on our news for updates on the Victims Champion project.