On the occasion of the European Day for Victims of Crime, the Victims of Crime Agency (VSA) is organising an awareness campaign in front of the Parliament Buildings with the aim of continuing to raise awareness about the rights of victims of crime and the support services available.
Through this campaign, the Agency continues to promote and disseminate information about its role and the holistic support it offers to people affected by crime. This initiative also encourages the public, and in particular victims, to seek help when they need it.
The Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment Byron Camilleri visited the agency’s workers who are carrying out this public awareness campaign and announced a new service whereby the Agency will begin offering a free transport service to victims of crime on the day they are called to court to testify in criminal proceedings. Minister Camilleri stated that this measure is another step towards addressing the challenges faced by victims, while continuing to strengthen the support provided to them and confirming the Government’s commitment to continue to reform aggressors while strengthening the services they have for the victim at the centre.
When victims receive the date on which they are required to give their testimony, they are requested to immediately inform the Agency so that the necessary arrangements can be made. On the day of the hearing, a vehicle will be sent to the victim’s residential address to take them to court and, after the trial is over, to return them home.
Chief Executive of the Victims of Crime Agency, Brian Farrugia, said that this service was set up to help victims go to court safely and in a calm environment, so that they can focus only on the evidence they have to give. He explained that victims are often anxious and their testimony is crucial to the development of the case, and therefore this service will help them to be more concentrated. Farrugia added that VSA professionals can also accompany victims during court proceedings.
The Agency for Victims of Crime continues to offer a wide range of services, including emotional and psychosocial support, information on criminal proceedings, practical assistance and referrals to other specialist services, always with the aim of providing victims with holistic support. For more information about the Agency’s services, the public can call 116 006.
