Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are currently taking over responsibility for commissioning the majority of local support services for victims of crime. We need them to prioritise mental health so that local victims' services work for people with mental health problems.
You can help make sure the needs of victims with mental health problems are met in your area. Email your PCC and ask them to prioritise mental health as they commission your local support services for victims of crime.
Last year, we published the report At risk, yet dismissed with Victim Support. It reveals that people with mental health problems are more likely to be victims of crime, feel the impact of being a victim of crime more acutely and are less likely to get the support they need.
The most startling findings show that people with mental health problems are:
Our new guide showcases great examples of the police supporting victims of crime with mental health problems. But too many are still not believed or properly supported.
People with mental health problems have an equal right to justice. With appropriate support you can help people with mental health problems give their best evidence.
You can make a real difference helping someone with a mental health problem who has been a victim of crime by treating them with empathy and compassion.
We need a national debate and a central strategy to address the needs of people with mental health problems who are the victims of crime.
If you’re living with a mental health problem and have been a victim of crime, or know someone who has been and want to report it, we want to help.
Since 2007, when we launched our Another assault report, we’ve been calling for better support for people with mental health problems who are the victims of crime.