Victim support premises officially opens at Piquet House

Friday 08 July 2022

A place for victims and witnesses of crime to seek emotional and practical support has officially opened in the Royal Square.

Based at the historic Piquet House opposite the Royal Court, Victims First Jersey is staffed by support workers, known as Independent Victim or Witness Advocates, who will aim to help clients cope and recover in the aftermath of crime.

Anyone is able to use the service, regardless of their age or whether the police are involved.

VFJ began offering support last year, coinciding with the launch of the Victims Charter, which lays out the processes ahead for anyone affected by crime.

Pictured: Inside the recently refurbished premises.

However, there had been uncertainty as to whether it would be located at Piquet House in the long-term.

Future uses for the listed former military police station, which was for many years left in a state of disrepair, had been the subject of much debate among Ministers and backbenchers.

In a previous Government Plan, just under £2m was budgeted to refurbish the premises and turn it into a Family Court Centre. However, in June 2021, it was decided that the Family Court would instead move to the Parade.

Pictured: A plaque on the side of the building explaining Piquet House’s military history.

In September 2021, the then-Housing Minister Deputy Russell Labey made a push for it to be "brought into the family of the parliamentary group of buildings" and be used as offices for politicians to meet their constituents.

It has now been refurbished and was officially opened as the base of Victims First Jersey by the Bailiff in a ceremony this afternoon.

"While the service has been running for over a year now, an official opening of our new premises is a landmark occasion for the team," Service Manager Laura Osmand explained.

Watch: A video explaining the work of Victim Support.

"Having a centralised base here close to the courts and in a convenient location for clients will really help.

"Part of the core work of VFJ is ensuring that victims and witnesses remain at the heart of the Criminal Justice System and receive the standards of care as set out in the Victim's Charter."