By Oliver Thompson
New victim support hubs have opened in Dewsbury and Batley.
The hubs aim to help support victims and witnesses of crime and join the already established hub at the Brian Jackson Centre in Huddersfield.
They will provide a safe place for vulnerable victims as well as obtain information from witnesses and provide the support that they may need.
In Dewsbury, the hub is open every Wednesday from 10 am to 4 pm and is based in the Kirklees Council’s Customer Service Centre, Walsh Building. In Batley, the hub is open every Monday between 10 am and 4 pm and is based at the Jo Cox House.
Speaking on their website it states: “Anyone affected by crime can access free confidential, emotional and practical support by dropping into these and speaking with one of our specially trained staff or volunteers.”
Cllr Carole Pattison, Kirklees Council Cabinet member for Learning, Aspiration and Communities, said:
“Kirklees Council is committed to offering the best possible support to victims and witnesses when a crime has taken place. These new hubs will provide further support for victims and witnesses of crime and a sign of the commitment the council has to help reduce crime.”
Figures released by the UKCrimeStats the Kirklees Borough have shown a slight increase in the number of reported crimes in the past year – Increasing by nearly 5%.
Violent crimes still remain a major issue accounting for nearly a third of all reported crime in Kirklees, followed by Anti-Social Behaviour which has shown a decrease in the past year.
West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson commented:
“Many people affected by crime often feel unable to get the help they need, whether or not they wish to report it to the police, so the new victim hubs will ensure wider support and more options are available.”
The local Victim Support service is available from 8 am – 8 pm Monday to Saturday by calling 0300 303 1971 or go to the self-referral option on their website www.victimsupport.org.uk.