Information for Victims

If you are the victim of a crime committed by a child or young person between the ages of 10 and 17 years and that crime has been reported to West Mercia Police, you will be contacted by the West Mercia Youth Justice Service (WMYJS).

If the child or young person was charged to court, then you will be contacted by one of our Victim Liaison Officers. If the child or young person was not charged to court you will be contacted by one of the Police Officers based at WMYJS.

If we have your telephone number, we will try and call you as soon as possible. If we cannot reach you by phone, we will send you a letter. If you are a victim of crime and you are under eighteen, then we will call and send a letter to your parent / carer in the first instance.

What can we do for you?

We will listen to your views and explain how we can support you. Your involvement will be completely confidential, voluntary and free.  We will ask how you have been affected by what has happened, discuss any worries or concerns you have and what you believe may help repair the harmed caused. This is what we refer to as ‘Restorative Justice’ or RJ.

Restorative Justice brings those that have been harmed by crime, and those responsible for the harm, into communication, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward. Restorative Justice gives victims the chance to have their say, to get answers to their questions, and to move on with their lives.  Restorative Justice will give the person that caused harm an insight into the real impact of their behaviour and an opportunity to make amends.

Feedback from Victims

100% of victims were either very satisfied (86 %) or satisfied (14%) with the service they received

 • 91% of victims were kept informed and given the opportunity to engage in restorative justice

• 100% of victims thought their views were taken into consideration

 • 100% of victims felt safe and secure throughout the process

 • All victims who asked for additional support were provided with information on appropriate services

Direct Restorative meeting Feedback

“For myself and my son this meeting, although it was a daunting prospect, has been a really positive experience. My son came out of the meeting and felt he had been given a chance in a safe and controlled environment to “face up” to those who assaulted him and put his feelings and thoughts to them. He has said he feels 100% better for doing this. In his words he now feels there has been full closure on this incident. As a parent I feel grateful to have been given the opportunity to speak to the children who harmed my son and explain how their actions impacted our family and explain things from our point of view. I feel better having heard what interventions they have had and their responses to these and in this case hearing the girls apologise to us.  

This meeting has been a massive help to most importantly my son but also myself and the rest of our family. We all feel like a line has been drawn under a really horrid situation. We both found it understandably scary to start and to think about but it was a positive experience that has really helped and we are very grateful for you facilitating the meet. To anyone else in a similar situation to ours I would always encourage them to do it.”  

Celebrating the feedback that victims have told us

What did we do well

“Jim has been amazing throughout the whole ordeal, explaining the process and all that it entails. Jim remained professional and impartial, however, he also demonstrated and applied compassion and empathy.
The lines of communication were clear and consistent, and I felt-and still do-that I had a voice. Jim kept me informed-in real time, not retrospectively-of any developments and asked for my suggestions and input too.”

“I thought it was brilliant that a child who committed an offence against us was able to do his reparation at our venue to work towards making up for what he did.”

“stayed in touch, was always there to listen and provided useful updates”

“keeping me informed and giving great explanation”

“You made sure I knew what was going on all the time and that helped me alot.”

“WMYJS VLO kept my son the victim and, I his mother regularly updated, throughout every stage of the investigation and final outcome. I found the VLO very supportive and sympathetic towards my son, as this crime left my son , somewhat upset and withdrawn.
However, the VLO managed to turn this around by providing clear and concise information, every step of the way. We felt supported and hopeful that the perpetrator would also receive some help/support to.”

Other Information

We can also give you updates about how the child or young person is getting on and if anything changes that may affect you as the victim. Find out more about Restorative Justice

If you would like to know more about what happens to a child or young person from Police interview / arrest through to decision making /sentencing, please view this here.

Additional Information and support for victims of crime: