Victims' Champion set to tackle anti-social behaviour

Julie New has taken up the new post of Victims' Champion which aims to deliver practical help to those taking a stand against anti-social behaviour.

The move is part of the Justice Seen Justice Done campaign, a Government initiative which saw the Wakefield district chosen as one of the pilot sites for work to reduce crime and increase public confidence.

The role of the Victims' Champion includes:

n Making sure more victims of anti-social behaviour are helped to come forward and supported when giving evidence in court

n Making sure those that are most in need of help get it – including vulnerable victims

n Providing a single local contact point for all anti-social behaviour victims and witnesses

n Promoting the service – making sure the public in the local area know about the service and that's its available across the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Henson, Wakefield District's Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Co-ordinator, said: "Standing up to anti-social behaviour can take courage.

"It can be a particularly difficult thing to go to court and give evidence against someone who you may have to return home and live next door to.

"These Champions posts are important so that people in the Wakefield district know that they will get help if they are a victim of anti-social behaviour, and so are more likely to come forward, but also to help support people if a case goes to court."

Councillor Olivia Rowley, Wakefield Council's cabinet member for community safety and cohesion, said: "The Justice Seen Justice Done scheme has had a real impact in helping us tackle crime, involve the community more and show the results of this work."

Julie New can be contacted on 0845 8506506.