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.
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:
Victim Support
We support children and young people who have been affected by crime. We can also support parents and professionals who work with children and young people.
Find out moreGov.uk
The Victims’ Code focuses on victims’ rights and sets out the minimum standard that organisations must provide to victims of crime.
Find out moreVictim Advice Line
If you’ve been affected by crime, it can be hard to know where to turn. At Victim Advice Line we’re here to help.
Find out moreWest Mercia Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Centre
Telephone helplines: 01905 724514 (Worcestershire) or 01432 344777 (Herefordshire)
Find out moreWest Mercia Women’s Aid
24hour Domestic Abuse Helplines 0800 980 3311 (Worcestershire) or 0800 783 1359 (Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin)
Find out more