Guidance for Victims and witnesses in the West Midlands
During the COVID 19 pandemic the OPCC is here to ensure that if you are a victim of a crime you will continue to receive support and guidance. If you are already receiving care and support from one of our support providers you will continue to be supported. This may have to be over the phone or over skype as a number of our support workers are now working from home in line with advice from Public Health England. In the first instance please contact your service provider for more information on how they will continue to support you.
If you are a victim looking for support in your area please visit our website where you can search for a service depending on the area in which you live: https://www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/victims/.
You are also able to report any non-emergency incidents to the police online https://west-midlands.police.uk/incident-report all reports will be sent over a secure internet connection and all information will be treated confidentially.
Find out more about guidance for employers to support the physical and mental wellbeing of their staff at this time.
Victim Support line
Your local Victim Support team is available to provide free confidential, emotional, and practical support to victims and witnesses of crime in the West Midlands. The number to contact them on is 0300 303 1977 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays).
You can talk to someone through Live Chat by clicking the “need to talk” button on their website here (9am to 5pm Monday to Friday)
If you need to speak to someone outside of these operating hours, Victim Support also operates a 24/7 Support line 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
Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid
Provides services to women and children who have been affected by domestic violence, including FGM and HBV. Offers helpline, community based drop in, emergency accommodation, outreach support and counselling, family support, support with criminal and civil law.
0808800 0028 (helpline)
Coventry Haven Women’s Aid
Provides services to women and children who have been affected by domestic abuse, including emotional and practical support, support for FGM.
Black Country Women’s aid
Black Country Women’s Aid supports people experiencing domestic violence and abuse in Sandwell, Dudley and Walsall. We offer sensitive and holistic support that help victims of abuse and their children to escape from violence, cope with trauma and rebuild their lives. BCWA’s Independent Domestic Violence Advice Service offers support in the community and at court, and our refuges offer a safe place for survivors and their children fleeing domestic abuse.
0121 552 6448 (24 hour helpline)
The Haven Wolverhampton
Refuge and support for women and families experiencing domestic abuse. Provides a dedicated service for children aged 0 – 16.
08000 194 400 (24 hour helpline)
West Midlands Honour Based Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
CRASAC (Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre)
whether it is historic or recent, including victims of child sexual exploitation. Provides a range of services to women, men and children from the age of 5 years. Services include helpline, counselling, advocacy (including support through the Criminal Justice Process), group, youth work and Community based support.
RSVP
Supports all survivors of sexual abuse in Birmingham and Solihull. Provides counselling and ISVA service support
0121 643 4136 (helpline not 24 hours)
Black Country Women’s Aid
Sexual Violence Service
Stalking Service
Modern Slavery Service
0121 552 6448 (24 hour helpline)
National helplines
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – The freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247
NSPCC – If you’re worried about a child, or you work with children and need advice or information, call our helpline on 0808 800 5000 – we’re here Monday to Friday 8am – 10pm or 9am – 6pm at the weekends.
Samaritans – 24 hours, 365 days a year. Call 116 123 for free.
