Who are we?
Victim Support Isle of Man is an independent charity. Our purpose is to help people affected by crime, domestic abuse and fatal road collisions. We provide emotional support, practical help and information to Victims and Witnesses of crime.
Trained volunteers offer confidential support and information. Anyone affected by crime can contact us directly for help, and if you report a crime to the police, they will also put you in contact with us if you want them to.
Our services are free and available to everyone, whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened. We are an independent organisation - we are not part of the police, courts or any other criminal justice agency.
Our aims and objectives
Victim Support aims to offer a comprehensive service to all sections of the community and is committed to ensuring that minority and disadvantaged groups are welcomed and involved throughout the organisation.
Victim Support works for the right of the Victims, Witnesses and their families and for greater awareness of the effects of crime.
We believe that Victims and Witnesses of crime have a right to receive consistent high quality services. We will treat every Victim and Witness that we support with professional respect and courtesy. At the very worst time of their lives, we give the very best service.
Our work
Help for Victims
The work of Victim Support Isle of Man includes assisting with criminal injury claims, emotional support to victims of various crimes including physical or sexual assaults, domestic abuse, thefts, burglaries and criminal damage.
Our trained volunteers offer:
- someone to talk to in confidence
- information on police and court procedures
- help in dealing with other organisations
- information about claiming criminal injuries compensation and insurance
- links to other sources of help
Help for Witnesses
Going to court can be a stressful and bewildering experience, both for the Victims of a crime and their families, and for Witnesses called to give evidence.
Our Witness Service offers information and support to Witnesses, Victims, their families and friends in the Criminal Courts.
Our trained staff and volunteers offer:
- someone to talk to in confidence
- a visit to the court and a look round a court room (where possible)
- information about court procedures
- a quiet place to wait before and during the hearing
- someone to accompany you into the court room when giving evidence
- practical help, for example, with expense forms
- to put you in touch with people who can answer specific questions about the case (the Witness Service cannot discuss evidence or offer legal advice)
- a chance to talk over the case when it has ended and to get more help or information.
How can you help?
Volunteers are crucial to the work of Victim Support. Volunteers can help in the following way:
Victim Support - Volunteers are based in the community and provide emotional support, information and practical help for people who have suffered crimes ranging from burglary to murder or manslaughter. Volunteers normally visit people in their homes and help by allowing them to talk through their feelings about the crime. Volunteers also give information about any practical and personal issues, and help Victims find their own strategies to overcome the effects of the crime. Scheme volunteers should be available for half a day a week, although actual hours can be flexible and may include weekends and evenings.
The Witness Service - Witness Service volunteers work in the court house and offer emotional support and practical information to people going to court. This can include: offering Witnesses a chance to visit the court before giving evidence; explaining court procedures; accompanying a Victim or Witness into the courtroom, and giving the chance to talk over the case when it has ended. Volunteers in the Witness Service need to be available during the working week and should be able to offer two full days a month.
Fundraising - We are always looking for help organising any fundraising events. If you could offer help in this regard, please contact the office.
If you are interested in helping Victim Support in its work on the Isle of Man please contact us directly.
