Victim Liaison
Victim Liaison works with the victim and young person using restorative justice to find a positive resolution to any harm caused.
The Dorset Combined Youth Offending Service (YOS) includes a Victim Liaison Officer who makes contact with the victims of all offences by Dorset young people that have led to the involvement of the team, following a court sentence.
What happens next
The Victim Liaison Officer informs victims of the different restorative justice processes that are available, and offers them the opportunity to participate.
This could involve:
- Attending panel meetings.
- A direct meeting with the young person.
- Representing their views to the young person.
- Receiving a letter of apology from the young person.
- Shuttle mediation, with the Victim Liaison Officer acting as a go-between to try to resolve any outstanding issues between the victim and the young person.
- Reparation which means work carried out by the young person to repair the harm they caused.
How does this help me
The fundamental principle of the YOS' work with victims is that the victim has a free choice about whether to become involved.
The Victim Liaison Officer will also help victims of youth crime to access other support services when appropriate, including advice on Crime Prevention and we can also introduce them to volunteers who can provide them extra support.
Contact details East Dorset
Dorset Combined Youth Offending Service
Bournemouth Learning Centre
Ensbury Avenue
Bournemouth
Dorset
BH10 4HG
01202 794321
Contact details West Dorset
Dorset Combined Youth Offending Service
Monkton Park
Winterborne Monkton
Dorchester
Dorset
DT2 9PS
0300 123 3339
Email: DCYOS@bcpcouncil.gov.uk