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Information for Victims

Information and support for victims of youth crime in Torbay.

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If a child or young person aged 10 to 17 commits a crime against you and it is reported to Devon and Cornwall Police, we will contact you. Our Victim officer will usually reach out, but only if you have given the police permission for us to do so.

If we have your telephone number or e-mail address, we will contact you as soon as possible. If we cannot reach you by phone, we will send you a letter. If you are a victim of crime and you are under eighteen, then we will call and send a letter to your parent/carer.

What we can do for you

We will come out and meet with you, listen to your views and explain how we can support you.  Should this not be possible, we will offer you a phone or TEAMS contact.

Your involvement is completely confidential, voluntary and free.  We will:

  • ask you what has happened
  • talk about the impact it’s had on you
  • discuss any worries or concerns you have
  • give you the opportunity to have your views taken into account during the decision-making process
  • ask you if you would like to participate in the process of restorative justice

Restorative Justice is a voluntary process, and you can change your mind at any time. 

Restorative Justice helps people affected by crime talk to each other. It lets victims share their feelings, ask questions, and move on. It also helps those who caused harm understand the impact of their actions and make things right.

This one of the best ways to discourage children from committing further crimes. It helps them face up to the consequences of their actions and the harm they have caused.

You can be involved in this process.

Find out more

We can also give you updates about how the child or young person is getting on. We can let you know if anything changes that may affect you as the victim. 

You can find out about what happens to a young person during the process by speaking to our victim officer. From police interview/arrest through to decision making/sentencing.

How can this help you

Being a victim can be an extremely upsetting experience. We want to listen to what you have to say. This can help you come to terms with the distress and harm you may have suffered.

Many victims feel anxiety and anger following the crime. Many find that being involved in the criminal justice process helps them deal with this.

 

Contact Family Information Service