More Support for Victims of Crime with Mental Health Problems
Victims of crime in County Durham and Darlington who have mental health problems have been benefiting from more support.
Victims of crime in County Durham and Darlington who have mental health problems have been benefiting from more support.
Police now have a dedicated worker who can work one-to-one with people.
It is part of a new scheme being funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Ron Hogg.
Figures show that 45% of people suffering from serious mental health were victims of crime.
Mental health case worker Ami Dodd, who works with victim support, said: “The criminal justice system has been shown to be ill-equipped when responding to victims of crime who do have mental health problems.
“These are people whose stories are often ignored or disbelieved and their psychological scars are left unhealed.
“It is really about being there for the victims rather than offenders.”