Hampshire crime victims benefiting from funds increase
The amount of money going to victims of crime is increasing.
Victim Support is helping more and more people whose lives have been blighted by all sorts of crime, including rape and assault.
Last year more than 380,000 went to members of the public in The News area who asked for help from the charity, compared with 222,000 in 2007 and 130,000 in 2006.
Liessa Mallinson, district manager for the service in the South East, based in Northern Parade, Portsmouth, said: 'There are two parts of the service.
'The practical side is free representation for criminal injuries and we also provide victim support.
'We offer a free, confidential service to anyone who has been impacted by a crime, and that includes families, friends or any witnesses.
'We have a team of fully trained volunteers who offer emotional and practical support.'
The money for the victims of crime comes from a central pot set up by the Home Office.
Debbie Haines, assistant manager at Victim Support, who specialises in claims, said: 'It's a complicated process and it can be frustrating for the victim.
'The compensation side is for people who have received an injury. It can take anything from six months to two years but we are here to help.'
Victim Support says it is keen for more people to get in touch, and offers more than help with financial claims.
Ms Mallinson said: 'We are a listening ear.
'A lot of people do not realise we exist but once they find us, they say they wish they had known about us much sooner.
'We carry on supporting people for as long as they need our service.'
The number of people contacting the service is also going up with 6,595 last year compared with 6,305 the year before.
Victims can go to the service, which has a team of 50 volunteers, direct, or police can put them in touch.
Sergeant Nathan Hodgson, of the Hilsea safer neighbourhoods team, said: 'It's an invaluable service.
'People speak so highly of being able to drop in and speak to them.'
CASH HELP
Over the last three years, Victim Support has helped people in The News area get 742,020 in compensation for injuries that are the result of a crime.
Money can also go to families who have lost a loved one because of a crime.
2008: 389,234
2007: 222,478
2006: 130,308
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