Victims Eligible for Statutory Information and Support from the Trust

Who is Eligible?

Under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, Durham Tees Valley Probation Trust has responsibilities in relation to the victims (and the families) of:

• an offender who receives a sentence of imprisonment of 12 months or more after being convicted of a sexual or violent offence.
• an offender who is convicted of a sexual or violent offence and receives a Restricted Hospital Order; or is transferred to prison under the Mental Health Act 1983 with a Restriction Direction; or receives a Hospital and Limitation Direction. 

Where the offence has resulted in the death of the victim, we will work with their close family members.

Victims can, of course, opt not to access the support and information offered by the Trust.

What Can You Expect from Us?

Durham Tees Valley Probation Trust has a dedicated Victim Liaison Unit, which serves the needs of victims who are eligible for statutory information. Our specialist victim liaison staff have no direct contact with offenders and will treat you and the information you share with us with the utmost respect and sensitivity at all times.

Following the offender’s sentence, the Police or Witness Care Unit will pass your details to our dedicated Victim Liaison Unit (unless you do not want them to) and you will get a letter from a specialist Victim Liaison Officer (VLO) inviting you to a mutually convenient face-to-face meeting. If you accept this invitation, your VLO will explain the services which are available to you, listen to your concerns and try their best to answer any questions you may have.

You may decide that you do not want to keep in touch. If so, we will make sure you know how to contact us if you change your mind in the future.

However, in the event that you wish to accept support, then your VLO will give you information and express your views to the relevant professionals during the key stages of the offender’s sentence. In particular, your VLO will:

• Tell you about the offender’s sentence and what it means.
• Consult you about any concerns you may have when the offender is being considered for release – this could include short periods on temporary licence.
• Make sure your views are considered when the conditions are being set for the offender’s release on licence (for example, this could include a request for them not to contact you).
• Tell you when the offender’s licence ends, or if they are recalled to prison.
• Tell you how you can make a statement to the Parole Board, when they are considering release/re-release of the offender 
• Refer you to specialist services and agencies, in the event that you feel you would benefit from additional support and intervention.