Sharon Wright* witnessed the murder of three family members. She was brutally attacked in the same incident, but managed to survive. However, Wright is now severely traumatised and is literally afraid to leave her house. She has flashbacks and sleepless nights and does not know where to turn for help.

About the Victim Support Unit

The Victim Support Unit (VSU) of the Ministry of Justice was established to help people who have become victims of crime. The VSU is guided by what is in the best interest of the victim and is committed to actively supporting victims of crime by identifying their needs and advocating their rights.

Who is assisted by the VSU?

Persons against whom criminal offences like rape, wounding, etc, have been committed

Victims of arson

Victims of serious domestic and community disputes

Victims of human rights abuses

Family members of a murdered victim

Children used by older persons to commit crimes

Emotional Support

Mediation and counselling support during and after case disposition.

Violence prevention initiative

A large focus of the VSU is violence prevention. In this effort, the VSU is involved in:

Sensitisation of society to the social and psychological impact of crime.

Providing information to crime victims about their rights.

Promotion of crime prevention tips.

Strengthening the networking and inter-agency cooperation among the various victim support organisations.

Crisis intervention

These services are available and accessible on a 24-hour basis across most of the island and are carried out through the following media:

Telephone counselling

On-the-scene responses

Home visits

'Walk-in' services.

*Name changed

For more information contact the Victim Support Unit at 946-0663/946-9287.

PROVIDING SUPPORT FOR THE VICTIMS

Send your questions, comments and suggestions on the justice system in Jamaica to editor@gleanerjm.com and the Ministry of Justice will respond.