The National Probation Service works closely with the victims of serious violent or sexual offences following the offender receiving a custodial sentence of 12 months or more. Our Victim Liaison Officers make contact with the victims, or family of the victim, to help them understand the criminal justice process and ensure that their views and concerns are represented near to the date of the offender's release.

The Victim Liaison Officer will normally make contact with a victim within 8 weeks of the offender being sentenced. They will offer information which the victim is free to choose whether or not they receive.

Our officer will explain to the victim what the sentence means in practice, how much of the total sentence the offender is likely to serve and what will happen at the point they are due for release from custody. Their role is not to counsel the victim, however if the victim wishes they will refer or provide information to the appropriate counselling agency.

Near to the offender's release date, the victim liaison officer will again make contact with the victim. They will once again discuss the offender's release from custody, if the victim decides they wish to request additional licence conditions the officer will explain the limits of confidentiality and disclosure of information. The victim may wish for restrictions to be placed on the licence such as preventing the offender from contacting them or prohibiting them from entering a certain area. The Victim Liaison Officer will pass on their views and concerns to the appropriate person prior to the release licence being prepared. They will also stress that although their views and concerns are taken into account the request for additional licence conditions may not be granted.

Read more about Victim Liaison Officer work (PDF 112k)

Women's safety workers

Our Women's Safety Worker works closely with the female victims of male domestic violence perpetrators. The male offenders will be attending the Integrated Domestic Abuse Programme that is run by the probation service and will have formed part of their sentence imposed by the court.

The Women's Safety Worker will ensure that the victims know how to recognise changes in their partner's behaviour and ensure that they have a safety plan including a safe place to stay in an emergency.  They will also ensure that they have access to emergency contact numbers and support services such as counselling.

Read more about the integrated domestic abuse programme (PDF - 444k)

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