Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall has welcomed the success of Victim Support’s Live Chat service across the county, enabling people to access real-time advice online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Peter McCall comments: “The Live Chat service offered by Victim Support in Cumbria is one of the many support services we fund for victims across the county and during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has proved to be vital when people are facing social distancing and lockdown restrictions.
“The Live Chat facility gives users the opportunity to speak to trained supporters in confidence on all types of crime from fraud, theft and sexual abuse and domestic abuse. The advice and support is provided regardless of when the crime happened or if it has been reported to the police.
“Due to COVID-19, the additional online demand for the Live Chat service increased by 176% during April, May and June of this year, which is why the expanded service will continue to be seven days a week, twenty four hours a day.
“There is no such thing as a victimless crime and any crime can take an emotional and mental toll on someone – that’s why it’s so important to have a service that can provide help to ease the affect. Being able to discreetly chat to someone who can help online could potentially save a victims life.”
Claire Powell, Area Manager at Victim Support says; “We know that for some people, picking up the phone and telling somebody what has happened to them can be really daunting and traumatic in itself. They may not feel ready to say the words out loud about what has happened or is happening to them, or they may not be able to find a safe space or time to have a confidential conversation. Live Chat gives people the opportunity to reach out for information, advice and support anonymously and confidentially and is available 24/7.”
Victim Support’s Live Chat facility can be accessed by clicking on the ‘chat now’ section at www.victimsupport.org.uk
