Guernsey’s Victim Support and Witness Service is working on a five-year plan to change the way victims and witnesses of crime are handled by the justice system.
A Strategic Plan for 2025–2029 has been published, outlining “a bold roadmap to enhance the support available to victims and witnesses across the Bailiwick”.
The charity said that as crime is becoming increasingly complex, it is committing to five key areas of improvement over the next five years.
These five key areas are:
- A Victims’ Code: Advocating for a formal “Bill of Rights” for victims in Guernsey
- Victim Compensation: Working to establish a financial support scheme for victims of crime
- Specialist Child Support: Closing the gap in direct provision for children affected by crime
- Expanded Sexual Abuse Services: Strengthening the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) programme
- Financial Fraud Expertise: Increasing resources to tackle the devastating impact of scams
The strategic plan is partly in response to the rise of crimes like financial fraud and cybercrimes, all of which are occurring more frequently due to technological advances.
Peter Harwood OBE, Chair of VS&WS, said its five-year plan has got the support of key justice figures in the island, including the Bailiff, the Chief of Police, and the President of the Committee for Home Affairs, all of whom emphasised the service’s “essential contribution” to the Bailiwick.
“This plan is an ambitious agenda, designed to ensure that victims and witnesses remain at the very heart of Guernsey’s justice system,” said Mr Harwood. “Despite ongoing financial pressures, we are determined to adapt and deliver the high-standard, compassionate support our community relies on.”
The full Strategic Plan 2025–2029 is available to view at victimsupport.gg.
