We speak to organisations supporting survivors and victims of crime
Inverclyde third sector organisations involved in community justice have been sharing their views on Inverclyde’s Community Justice Outcomes Improvement Plan (CJOIP). Charities and voluntary groups have an important role to play in community justice and one way we do this is helping survivors and victims of crime.
We have been chatting to some of the organisations working hard to offer support.
Action for Children, Side Step Intervention Service
The programme supports young people 11-18 years old who are being coerced or manipulated into criminal activity. The service provides 1:1 support and occasional group sessions to deliver interventional work to promote positive choices and consequential thinking. We understand relationship building is key to identify young people's needs and interests to create an individual action plan, ensuring we provide intensive support, offering diversionary activities and EET opportunities. The project will also work alongside the family to provide support and address vulnerabilities, strengthening family relationships.
Referrals should be made by statutory services however please contact Sam Rodger at Side Step to discuss any young person you may have concerns regarding on samantha.rodger2@actionforchildren.org.uk
Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis (GCRC)
GCRC are here to support women and girls aged 13 years old and above in the Glasgow and Inverclyde area who have experienced rape or sexual violence. Whether it happened recently or at any time in the past, they listen without judgement and provide the help a survivor needs.
GCRC provide a drop-in service which includes a one-to-one session in a private room with one of their support workers. There’s no need for an appointment. The survivor can come along to a one-off session or as part of your ongoing support. A support worker will listen and support you. She can also signpost you to other organisations and services if needed.
This drop-in service is for:
Women and girls aged 13 and over who have experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives
Friends and family members of survivors
Workers with a service user or colleague who has experienced sexual violence
GCRC reached out to survivors they support and asked for their thoughts and perspectives on community justice:
“Court is a scary, daunting place.” - survivor
“I felt disrespected when I had to give evidence.” - survivor
“Many survivors said if they had known what the criminal justice experience would be like, in hindsight they would not have done it.” - support worker
“The women who go through the CJS to try and receive some justice have so much bravery and courage within themselves.” - support worker
“The legal system can take a toll on survivors. Re-traumatisation from the court process is a very real and common thing.” - support worker
“Having a support worker by my side helped my confidence and made me feel less alone” -survivor
“Things need to change – women should not have to wait years for their case to reach court, many feel that their lives are on hold, and they aren’t able to move on, there is no closure for years.” - survivor
Scottish Families Affected by Drugs and Alcohol
If you know someone who has an alcohol or drug problem, involvement with the Justice System is sadly common. It can be difficult for family members to handle the difficult situations that can arise.
The SFAD Inverclyde Support Service reached out to some family members who attend their service and asked if they would like to share some of their experiences of the Justice System.
“Police officers came to help my daughter after a violent attack on her by an ex-boyfriend.”
“Being in a court is very scary, you feel vulnerable. If possible, you should have someone with you, should it be a family member or someone from Scottish Families.”
“There is support out there, but it is not advertised enough or talked about. People don’t know what is out there to help them. That needs to change!”
Author:
Chris Park
Publish Date:
Mar 6, 2024