The Victim Liaison Officer will normally make contact with the victim, or family of the victim, within eight weeks of the offender being sentenced. The victim is free to choose whether or not they receive this service, and they can stop contact with us at any time.

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, but if the victim would like counselling, the officer will refer the person 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 wishes 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 the offender from entering a certain area.

The Victim Liaison Officer will pass on the victim's views and concerns to the appropriate person prior to the release licence being prepared. They will also stress to the victims that although their views and concerns are taken into account the request for additional licence conditions may not be granted.