Peterborough crime victims can still access support services during lockdown

Face-to-face support in people’s homes and community settings has been suspended in line with the current lockdown regulations however advice lines and websites continue to operate as usual.

Mr Bisby said: "“I want everyone to be reassured that staff are still working to support you with services remaining open as usual, despite being delivered differently.

“While the Coronavirus health emergency continues to impact on all of us, for anyone experiencing crime, lockdown restrictions can increase anxiety. Positively our providers are reporting that many more victims are accepting help and are keen to spend time talking to staff who are offering both emotional and practical support.

“Myself and my team are doing everything we can to ensure critical support and advice continues to be provided to those who need it most during this difficult time and beyond.

“You can read more about what I am doing to support the countywide Covid effort on my website here: https://www.cambridgeshire-pcc.gov.uk/pcc-covid-19/.”

Steve Welby, Manager of the police-led Victim and Witness Hub, added: “Victim and Witness Care Co-ordinators are working from the office and home to ensure they can safely continue to offer free and confidential emotional and practical support. The team is also working with victims and witnesses to keep them up to date of any changes to court cases. All courts will remain open during this current lockdown period.”

Services offered by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Rape Crisis Partnership are also running as normal with a few changes made to keep staff and volunteers safe and well.

Norah Al-Ani, Director of Cambridge Rape Crisis, added: “We want to reassure survivors of rape, child sexual abuse and all forms of sexual violence that we are still here, and you are not alone.”

Services that continue to be provided are listed below:

Email support service open as usual

Telephone Helpline service open as normal

Emotional support service running as normal with all support offered over the phone or online

Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy service (ISVA) working as normal with all support being offered over the phone or online

Counselling services are also working as normal with all support now being offered over the phone or online.

There is also a range of self-help resources available on the Cambridge and Peterborough Rape Crisis Partnership website: www.caprcp.org.uk.

Mr Bisby added: “This remains a very challenging time for all of us but your safety remains important to me. In an emergency, where you or a family member is in immediate danger, you should always contact the police dialling 999.”

Any victims wishing to access support can call the Freephone advice number on 0800 781 6818.

There is also online advice on the Victims Services website which provides details of other local and national organisations providing specialist support: https://www.cambsvictimservices.co.uk/.