Derby Homes has appointed a Victim and Witness Support Officer to provide a new service for residents suffering serious anti social behaviour. Read more...

New Victim and Witness Support Service to help tenants

Derby Homes has appointed a Victim and Witness Support Officer to provide a new service for residents suffering serious anti social behaviour.  The role was created in response to feedback from customers who told the housing organisation that more support and practical guidance was needed, especially when victims or witnesses are required to go to court to give evidence.

“We encourage our customers to report all incidents of anti social behaviour,” said Maria Murphy, Derby Homes’ Director of Housing and Customer Service.  “The aim of this new service is to reassure victims and witnesses and make them feel more confident and comfortable about coming forward with their complaints and giving evidence in court.” 

Carrie Bria, Neighbourhood Safety Manager at Derby Homes said: “In most cases, complaints of anti social behaviour can be resolved through early intervention and mediation, but when a case goes to court and the complainant is asked to give evidence, it’s often the first time they will have been into a court room.  The Victim and Witness Support Officer will offer help and guidance to make that experience easier.”

The person appointed to this new role is John Birch who, for more than 30 years, worked as an operational Police Officer within Derbyshire Constabulary, most of which was spent in the Criminal Investigation Department.  John has experience of dealing with numerous victims of crime related incidents and witnesses and has a thorough knowledge of court procedures and the concerns witnesses have about attending court.

“I’m here to offer as much or as little support as the victim feels they need,” John said.  “My job is to addressthe victim’s questions and concerns, let them know what is expected of them, and provide as much help as they need to make sure they feel comfortable and at ease about giving evidence.

“The service also continues once the case has been concluded.  We will advise customers what to do should there be any recurrence of the problem, and let them know the outcome of the court case.”

The support John provides includes visiting the court with the victim before the hearing so that they can familiarise themselves with the facilities, an explanation of the layout of a court room, transport to and from the courthouse on the day of the hearing, and meeting witnesses at court and staying with them throughout the whole process, no matter how long it takes. 

“This is just one of many ways that Derby Homes is tackling anti social behaviour to make our neighbourhoods better and safer places in which to live,” Maria Murphy concluded.

February 2010