Victims of crime

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Support for victims of crime

This page is for you if you have been affected by crime, including abuse. In every part of the UK, you can get support from a victim support service whether or not you reported the crime to the police. You contact each organisation directly, using the details on its card.

In danger now? Call 999. If you can’t speak, see how to get help silently. To contact the police when it isn’t an emergency, call 101.

Defence Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU)

Across the UK

Victims and witnesses of serious crime committed by people subject to service law, in the UK or overseas, whether they are serving personnel or civilians. It is part of the Ministry of Defence but independent of the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force chains of command: a Victim Liaison Officer explains your options and, with your consent, arranges support such as an independent sexual or domestic violence advisor. You can contact it yourself for advice, without a referral.

07974 074259

call or text; Monday to Thursday 8am to 4pm, Friday 8am to 3.30pm; closed on bank holidays; email too

Call Defence Victim Witness Care Unit (VWCU)Website: GOV.UK

Checked 7 Oct 2026

Victim Support

England and Wales

  • Victims of crime

For anyone affected by crime or a traumatic incident in England and Wales. Its support is independent, free and confidential, and it does not matter when the crime happened or whether you reported it to the police.

Supportline

0808 168 9111

free, 24 hours a day, every day; live chat too

Call Victim SupportWebsite: Victim Support

Checked 7 Oct 2026

Victim Support NI

Northern Ireland

For anyone affected by crime in Northern Ireland, including sexual violence, whether or not it was reported and however long ago it happened. It offers free and confidential emotional support and practical help, such as with compensation forms, and its Witness Service supports people going to court.

Belfast hub

028 9024 3133

call your nearest hub to make an appointment; Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm; Foyle hub 028 7137 0086; if the lines are busy, wait for the answer service and leave your name and number; email too

Call Victim Support NIWebsite: Victim Support NI

Checked 7 Oct 2026

Victim Support Scotland

Scotland

For anyone affected by crime in Scotland, whatever the crime, including witnesses and families bereaved by crime. Its support is free and confidential: it can talk through whether to report, support you at court and help you understand your rights. If you are 12 or over, you can contact it yourself.

Support helpline

0800 160 1985

free; 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday; webchat at the same times

Call Victim Support ScotlandWebsite: Victim Support Scotland

Checked 7 Oct 2026

We checked each listing against the organisation’s own website on 7 October 2026. Services and opening hours can change, so check the organisation’s website too. You contact each organisation directly: we never ask for your story.

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