08 July 2022
New premises for Victims First Jersey, have been officially opened in a private ceremony by the Bailiff, Sir Timothy Le Cocq.
The offices are based in the newly refurbished Piquet House, near to the Royal Courts, and will be the base for support workers at Victims First Jersey, which launched in January 2021.
Victims First Jersey is a free service available to support anyone who is a victim or witness of crime, regardless of their age, or whether the police are involved. Support workers, known as Independent Victim or Witness Advocates, offer tailored support to clients, from an emotional and practical perspective to enable them to cope and recover in the aftermath of crime.
Service Manager, Laura Osmand said: "While the service has been running for over a year now, an official opening of our new premises is a landmark occasion for the team. Having a centralised base here close to the courts and in a convenient location for clients will really help. Part of the core work of VFJ is ensuring that victims and witnesses remain at the heart of the Criminal Justice System and receive the standards of care as set out in the Victim's Charter."
Launched in January 2021 the Victim and Witness Charter, is a publicly available online document used by support workers to explain the process ahead for those involved in crime as a victim or witness.
The charter is supported by a number of agencies and organisations including: States of Jersey Police, the Law Officers' Department, the Judicial Greffe, the Viscount's Department, the States of Jersey Prison Service, the Probation and Aftercare Service, Justice and Home Affairs and the Honorary Police.
gov.je