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.

Please read how young offenders donated money to Victim Support as 'payback' for the crimes they committed.

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 453939

 

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

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