In an accident and a crime there are perpetrators and victims. Sufficient attention is paid to perpetrators because they enter a legal process, but victims can fall into a black hole. Fortunately, there is Victim Support. Victim Support Netherlands helps victims after an accident or crime in various ways. The help is practical and supportive and always in the interests of the victim. The help is given free of charge.
Help and support after a crime or accident
- Victim support
- Picket duty
- Injury
- To work
- Volunteers
- Assistance
- Chain partners
Victim support
Victim Support Netherlands is ready to assist the victims of;
- crimes;
- traffic accidents;
- calamities.
Relatives
Victim support is for the direct victims and also for;
- relatives;
- to give evidence;
- other stakeholders.
Free
The assistance provided is free of charge. Victim support is funded by:
- Ministry of Security and Justice;
- Municipalities;
- Victim Support Fund.
Picket duty
Victim Support is available to victims 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Thousands of people use the services of Victim Support. In 2017, the number exceeded 200,000.
- 2018: more than 200,000
- 2017: 226,508
- 2016: 191,000
- 2015: 182,000
- 2014: 156,000
- 2013: 164,000
- 2012: 150,000
- 2011: 135,000
- 2010: 123,000
- 2009: 107,000
Injury
Victims can make use of the support provided by Victim Support professionals in processing the event. Assistance is also provided in identifying material and immaterial damage in order to alleviate and recover that damage. Victim support always assumes the self-reliance and resilience of the victim and also makes efforts to improve the position and rights of victims.
To work
At Victim Support Netherlands, professionals work as paid employees or as volunteers.
- 460 paid employees;
- 1100 volunteers;
- 70 interns and graduates;
- 80 locations.
Volunteers
Victim Support Netherlands employs many volunteers who must have something to offer. Volunteers can be of great importance to victims. They assist the victims with advice and assistance. Volunteers are deployed in three facets of the work:
- To register;
- General services;
- Legal services.
To register
At the Registration service, the volunteer provides the first telephone contact with the victim.
General services
The volunteer who works in this section supports the victim after the accident or crime.
Legal services
This volunteer provides the victim with legal information and guides them through the legal procedure.
Assistance
The assistance provided can be divided into:
- practical;
- legal;
- emotional.
Practical
The practical help consists of writing letters to various authorities and going to the police, lawyer or court together with the victim. Reference can also be made to the right experts such as personal injury lawyers and other care providers.
Legally
Information is provided about the legal procedure that the victim may face. Assistance is also provided in submitting a correctly completed damage form to recover damages from the perpetrator. Victim Support also supports the preparation of a victim statement that can be submitted in writing. The victim can also exercise the right to speak and tell the story during the court hearing about what the perpetrator did to the victim.
Emotional
Victims can react emotionally and develop physical complaints after an accident or crime. Victim support supports and helps the victim to process their emotions, manage them and get back to normal life.
Chain partners
Various chain partners work together with Victim Support Netherlands;
- Prosecution;
- Police.
Victim Support Netherlands is also part of the European umbrella organization Victim Support Europe, together with 21 European countries.
Headquarters
Mother Teresalaan 100
3527 WB UtrechtTelephone 030 234 01 16Fax 030 231 76 55E-mail [email protected] www.slachtofferhulp.nl
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