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People who have been the victim of a crime will be able to receive support at a new victim care unit in Blackwood.

The new unit, which has been set up by Gwent Police, will be made up of 19 specially-trained victim care officers, who will act as the main point of contact for victims of crime.

The victim care officers will guide victims through the process of reporting a crime up until the conclusion of the criminal justice process, updating the victims along the way.

The unit will be based at the Connect Gwent Hub in Blackwood, which houses a number of different organisations helping victims and witnesses of crime.

Pam Kelly, Chief Constable of Gwent Police, said victims “are at the heart of everything we do here at Gwent Police”.

She said the new unit aims to improve the support provided to victims.

Chief Constable Kelly added: “I want to make sure that victims have a more positive experience of the criminal justice system, which is why we have invested heavily along with the Police and Crime Commissioner in this new unit. 

“We know that when a victim is given the right support, not only does it aid their recovery and reduce repeat victimisation but when coupled with an effective investigation, it gives them more confidence in the criminal justice system to help bring offenders to justice. “

She thanked the victims of crime who helped with the victim care unit’s development and said: “We’re working hard to make sure all victims have greater confidence to report incidents to the police and this new unit shows our commitment to supporting victims of crime in Gwent.”

Police and crime commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said ensuring victimes of crime receive the best services, care and support was a “priority” for him.

He said: “Connect Gwent was the first victim’s hub of its kind in Wales and led the way by bringing key support services together under one roof.

“The new unit will mean that victims benefit from regular contact with a victim care officer who will work alongside the investigating police team to ensure that they are fully supported and kept up to date throughout the criminal justice process.”