Victim contact officers from Bedfordshire Probation work with victims of sexual and violent offenders sent to prison for a year more or detained in hospital with restrictions attached to his or her discharge.
The officers keep victims and - in the case of murder and manslaughter victims - families informed about the offender's sentence; offer victims the chance to comment on proposed conditions surrounding the offender's release; let them know about any conditions of release relating to the victim.
They also consult victims about and seek their agreement to any victim protection arrangements, use information provided by victims in drawing up plans for monitoring offenders after release, where appropriate, and act upon information from victims and their families about any breach of the release conditions.
Victims should hear from our victim contact officers within eight weeks of the offender being sentenced at court. Victims' involvement with the service is voluntary and victims can withdraw from involvement at any time.
Domestic abuse
Where a male offender is ordered by the court to undergo the Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme, our Women's Safety Officer will work with the offender's partner.
The safety worker will help female victims and their children to access support, advice and assistance from other organisations. Victims are given regular updates on how the offender is progressing on the programme and are regularly asked for feedback about his behaviour, even after the programme is over.
Bedfordshire Probation's Victims Unit also works closely with Police domestic abuse units
Other help available:
Victim Support - tel 0845 30 30 900
Women's Aid - tel 0808 2000 247
Prison Service victim helpline - tel 0845 7585 112
You can find out more about sources of help from the Direct Gov website.
|
