Labour Leader visits crime victims charity

Mr Miliband, who is also Doncaster North MP, met staff at the Mexborough branch of Victim Support to find out more about the work they do.

The charity, based on College Road, gives free and confidential help to victims of crime, witnesses, their family, friends and anyone else affected.

In the last year alone, it has provided support for thousands of people in the area affected by crimes including burglary, assaults, sex offences and domestic violence.

Mr Miliband said: “The team at Victim Support helps people in our community get through some very challenging and difficult situations. I’d like to pay tribute to their work.

“I want to make sure Victim Support is able to offer the best possible service in our area so I’ll be listening to the concerns of their staff and volunteers.”

Victim Support helps about 1.5 million victims or witnesses of crime every year across the UK.

The charity acts as a national voice and campaigns for change. It also runs the Witness Service in every criminal court.

Christine Empson, divisional manager for South Yorkshire, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Labour Leader to our Mexborough office to see what we do and the kind of help we give to victims of crime.

“Being a victim can be a traumatic experience and last year we helped 34,727 people across South Yorkshire, and one million people across the country, cope and recover after a crime.

“This visit shows that Mr Miliband recognises the needs of victims and we hope he will work with us to ensure that they remain a priority for his party.”

For more information visit www.victimsupport.org.uk.