Wiltshire Victim Support service marks a decade of work
Horizon is supporting around 9,000 people at all times
A service supporting victims of crime in Wiltshire is marking a decade of operations, with the Police and Crime Commissioner, pledging to continue its work.
Horizon is funded by Philip Wilkinson's office, and helps through for anyone who needs it following an incident, regardless of how long ago it was, or even if it wasn't reported to police.
The service has supported hundreds of thousands of victims and witnesses since 2015, with 75,000 of these being vulnerable victims and around 9,000 victims and witnesses being supported through the court process at any one time.
PCC Philip Wilkinson said: "Supporting victims of crime is at the heart of my mission to make Wiltshire safer.
"I am committed to ensuring no victim feels left behind. The Horizon team works tirelessly to offer emotional support, practical assistance, and guidance throughout the criminal justice process—every victim deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and compassion."
Julia Gay, Head of Victim Service, said: "Our team is dedicated to ensuring every victim receives the support they need to navigate the aftermath of a crime. We are here to listen, assist, and empower victims, helping them rebuild their lives with confidence and dignity. I’m incredibly proud of the difference our team has made to victims and witnesses at their most vulnerable."
Each year the OPCC spends £2.75m commissioning victim support services for victims and witnesses to ensure that all those impacted by crime receive the most appropriate support tailored to their needs.
This includes specialist support services for victims of sexual violence, those who have experienced domestic abuse and children & young people.
Mr Wilkinson said: "Supporting victims and witnesses is at the heart of policing and we recognise that there have been challenges in the past in how Wiltshire Police has responded to victims. However, under the Chief Constable’s leadership, there has been significant progress in improving the way victims are engaged with and supported. Both my office and Wiltshire Police remain fully committed to continually strengthening these services to ensure victims receive the best possible care and support.
“The Chief Constable and I are dedicated to making sure that every victim and witness feels heard, informed, and supported throughout their journey. Wiltshire Police has introduced innovative solutions, such as the use of robotics to improve the timeliness and accuracy of victim updates, alongside ongoing monitoring of victim satisfaction to identify areas for further improvement. We will continue working closely with specialist support services and listening to those with lived experience to shape and enhance the way victims are supported across Wiltshire."