Victims First

Providing free emotional & practical support to victims & witnesses of crime in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire. Managed by @TV_PCC.
☎️ 0300 1234 148

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

Please be advised that our website will experience planned downtime at 10pm this evening (Sunday 25 October) for around 10 minutes.

Our website and resources will be unavailable during this time.

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

⏰ With the clocks going back on Sunday, here are some steps to keep your home safe from burglary:

🚪 Lock windows, doors & outbuildings
💡 Leave lights on when not home
🚶 Install motion-detected lighting
⌚ Don’t leave valuables on display
🗞️ Cancel deliveries if not at home

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

Experiencing a hate crime can make you feel upset, confused, angry, anxious or unsafe.

Victims First can:

✅ Help you feel heard and understood
✅ Provide emotional and practical support
✅ Enable you to report the incident without going directly to the police first

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

We’re a month into the new school year and you’ve noticed a shift in your young person’s behaviour, that they’re hanging out with a new group and are out of the house more at night.

These could be typical teenage changes. Or signs of knife carrying.

Other signs include👇

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

With a second tranche of offenders being released under the Sentencing Act 2026 today, we wanted to remind victims where they go to for support if they need it.

For more information, and support, visit our website👉 https://t.co/4HqEEhwtrp

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

Today marks the start of National Hate Crime Awareness Week

Hate can occur online and offline and can include threats, intimidation, damage to a victims’ property and physical attacks

If you have been a victim of hate crime, Victims First can offer support

#NationalHCAW

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

Today is World Mental Health Day 💚

Experiencing any kind of crime can be emotional and difficult so it is important for victims to look after their mental health in the aftermath.

If you are struggling to move forward following a crime, Victims First is here to help.

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

The early release of offenders under the Sentencing Act 2026 starts today.

We understand this may be concerning for victims and want people to know where to get support if they need it.

For more information, and support, visit our website👉 https://t.co/4HqEEhx1gX

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

Crown Courts in England & Wales will have at least one courtroom set up specifically to hear rape & serious sexual offence cases over the next two years

& from next month, trials for rape & serious sexual offences will be given a fixed date rather than placed on floating lists

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

📌 We’re hiring 📌

We’re looking for an empathetic and experienced communicator to join our team and help us support victims and witnesses of crime across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Milton Keynes

Find out more👉 https://t.co/DISKgkR2jq

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

💬 Unsure how to ask for consent?

It can be as simple as:

👍 “Can I {insert activity} you?”
👍 “Are you okay with this?”
👍 “Does this feel good?”
👍 “Do you want to try {insert activity}?”
👍 “Do you want me to stop?”

Consent ensures everyone involved feels safe and respected

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

💫 We’re hiring 💫

We're looking for a computer-literate problem solver to join our team as a Data Quality Administrator 🖥️🔎

To find out more, and to apply, click the link below👇

⏰ Application deadline is Sunday 27 September

https://t.co/NLwfIBbZg2

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

Today is Emergency Services Day and an opportunity to recognise and thank those working across all our blue light services for their selfless dedication to keeping us safe and helping those in need 24 hours a day, 365 days a year 🚔🚒🚑🚁

@ThamesVP @999Day

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

🍎🏫💬 With schools starting back this week, here are some conversations about safety to have with your teen:

✅ Healthy relationships & consent
✅ Online harms
✅ Peer pressure
✅ Situational awareness

You should also make a list of trusted adults your teen could talk to

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

☀️ ☔️🥩 Hosting a BBQ this bank holiday Monday? Don’t invite burglars to the party.

Always keep the windows and doors at the front of your house locked while you’re out back.

Opportunistic thieves target homes when people are distracted in their gardens.

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

This bank holiday weekend don’t be a spiker

Adding extra alcohol to an alcoholic drink or putting alcohol into a non-alcoholic drink is a form of spiking

You may think your actions are harmless, but spiking is dangerous and illegal

@StampOutSpiking

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

Before you head out this bank holiday weekend, look around your garden

Items left out could be used by burglars to gain entry to your home

🔨 Garden tools
🪴 Heavy plant pots & garden ornaments
🪜 Ladders & bins
🔓 Unsecured property

Don't leave burglars the tools they need

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

Today marks the UK’s first National Day for Victims and Survivors of Terrorism; an opportunity to honour and remember those lost to terrorism and recognise the impact of terrorism on survivors, bereaved families, first responders and affected communities

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

Knife amnesty bins are secure, designated drop-off points where anyone can safely and anonymously dispose of dangerous or illegal knives and blades

@thamesvp have knife amnesty bins located at police stations and community venues across Thames Valley👇

https://t.co/ME4rU4rAhW

[Victims First @VictimsFirstTV]

💕Met someone new online? Criminals use dating apps to commit romance fraud

Remember to PAUSE - it might just protect both your heart and money👇

P: Pay nothing
A: Avoid sharing personal information
U: Use reverse image search
S: Stay on the dating website or app
E: Excuses