Advice and support

Victim Support

If you have been a victim of crime, you may need practical help and information. For example, replacing or repairing property (such as changing locks) or claiming compensation.

Victim Support is a national, independent charity whose trained volunteers can help you, and is commissioned by the Norfolk and Suffolk Police and Crime Commissioners. Its services are free, confidential and available to everyone, regardless of when the event happened.

You might find it helpful to talk to one of their volunteers if you found the experience distressing. If you need more specialised advice or support, they will also be able to refer you to a more suitable organisation.

You can contact Victim Support on 0300 303 0165

Lines open:
Mon to Fri 10:30am – 6:30pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm

Citizen Advice Witness Service

The Citizens Advice Witness Service provides free, independent support for witnesses in criminal courts across England and Wales.

Our trained volunteers provide practical help, emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected, informed and able to give their best evidence in court.

Our service includes:

information about court and legal processes
providing visits to court rooms ahead of a trial
someone to talk to in confidence (although we do not discuss the evidence or give legal advice)
information about court and legal processes
information about what happens before and during court, including the use of special measures
support on the day of the trial, at verdict and sentencing
information about relevant agencies
liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service.

More information can be found on the witness service pages of the Citizens Advice website:

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/

Witness Service contact telephone numbers:

Norwich Magistrates Court: 0300 332 1409

Norwich Crown Court: 0300 332 1294

Great Yarmouth Magistrates Court: 0300 332 1208

Kings Lynn Magistrates & Crown Court: 0300 332 1240

Bury St Edmunds Magistrates Court: 0300 332 1144

Lowestoft Magistrates Court: 0300 332 1262

Ipswich Magistrates Court: 0300 332 1234

Ipswich Crown Court: 0300 332 1233

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