Support services for victims

If you have been affected by crime, help is available. SYMCA funds and works with a range of specialist organisations across South Yorkshire to ensure victims receive the emotional, practical, and ongoing support they need. Support is available whether or not the crime has been reported to the police.

Local services include independent domestic abuse and sexual violence support, crisis intervention, advocacy and tailored help for those affected by serious crime or repeat victimisation. These services can provide a safe space to talk, advice on next steps, support through the criminal justice process, and help accessing longer-term recovery support.

You can also access national organisations offering 24/7 helplines, online advice, and specialist support for specific types of crime.

⚠ If you are in immediate danger, always call 999.

How to access support

Referral through the police

If you report a crime to South Yorkshire Police, you may be referred automatically to local victim support services. Based on your needs, you may receive practical or emotional support or be connected to specialist services.

Self-referral

You do not need to report a crime to access help. You can contact support services directly at any time, even if the incident happened in the past.

Support may include

Emotional help and coping strategies
Advice on the justice process
Safety planning
Support completing forms or communicating with agencies
Signposting to counselling or therapeutic services

Your rights under the Victims’ Code

As a victim of crime, you are entitled to a minimum standard of service under the Victims’ Code. These rights are designed to ensure you are treated with fairness, dignity, respect, and sensitivity throughout the process.

Have the crime recorded promptly and accurately

Be informed about your case, including updates on investigations and decisions

Access support services that meet your needs

Understand the criminal justice process and what to expect at each stage

Make a Victim Personal Statement explaining how the crime has affected you

Be informed of the outcome of the case, including appeals

Receive information about the offender, where appropriate

Make a complaint if you feel your rights have not been met

Enhanced rights apply if you are considered vulnerable, intimidated, a victim of the most serious crime, or a persistently targeted victim.

SYMCA-funded services

[Service listings to be added — Kathryn to advise on commissioned services]

Specialist support

Some victims may require more tailored or intensive support. Specialist services are available for a range of groups and circumstances, including:

Victims of domestic abuse Victims of sexual violence Children and young people Victims of stalking or harassment Additional vulnerabilities incl. mental health needs or disabilities Bereaved families Marginalised or minoritised communities

These services offer trained, trauma-informed practitioners who understand the specific barriers victims may face and can help you navigate the support best suited to your circumstances.

Specialist support

Some victims may require more tailored or intensive support. Specialist services are available for a range of groups and circumstances, including:

Victims of domestic abuse
Victims of sexual violence
Children and young people
Victims of stalking or harassment
Additional vulnerabilities incl. mental health needs or disabilities
Bereaved families
Marginalised or minoritised communities

These services offer trained, trauma-informed practitioners who understand the specific barriers victims may face and can help you navigate the support best suited to your circumstances.

Restorative Justice and Victim Contact Schemes

Restorative Justice

Restorative justice allows victims to communicate with the person who committed the offence, if they choose to, in a safe and supported setting. This can help some victims regain a sense of control, ask questions, or explain the impact the crime has had on them. Participation is always voluntary and risk-assessed.

Victim Contact Scheme

Victims of certain serious or violent crimes may be eligible for the Victim Contact Scheme, which keeps victims informed about the offender’s progress through the criminal justice system and offers opportunities to share views before key decisions are made.

This page is part of the Policing and Reform section of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority website. Information is reviewed regularly in line with our Police and Crime Plan priorities.