Victims of violent crime are being urged to take advantage of a scheme which has launched across the West Midlands...

Visual Evidence for Victims (VEV) is a confidential and free service which could help convict aggressors 6 years after they have carried out an attack.

The service enables victims, who are not ready to report to the police for whatever reason, to ask for photos to be taken of physical injuries or damage to properties. These pictures are kept under lock and key and the victim decides if and when they are used.

It is hoped that the drive will help those who have suffered at the hands of hate crime, anti social behaviour or domestic violence.
Hayley Beesley, VEV co-ordinator, has said that more needs to be done to let victim's know that they have the final say.

All the borough groups who take photos will have received the same training from West Midlands Police.
PC Craig Simpson said: "It's vital that we get it right from the start - if things go wrong then the evidence won't be able to be used in court.

We have recently set up a VEV website to better inform the public and other support service that this project exists and how it can help; www.vev.org.uk.

Important contact detials are Victim support 01926 336474 and WDVSS  01788 537112