You’ve come to the right place
If you are caring or supporting someone who has been a victim of a violent or sexual crime, then Restitute is here to provide support and information for you. We know how hard it is to care for someone who may be struggling with their mental health, dealing with a vast number of agencies such as education, health, the police, social services, juggling finances whilst at the same time coping with your own feelings.
3rd party victims of crime work incredibly hard often facing stigmatisation, isolation and exhaustion. We know you’re doing an amazing job and it’s not easy. Thank you.
The information on our website is available to all. We are based in the UK and so much of the information is based on UK systems, culture and organisation.
If you live in the UK, we may be able to offer you personal and practical support. You can self-refer by using this form.
Wherever you live, the information, links and guidance on the pages listed below are based on years of hard-fought lived experience. Inevitably, the information will contain gaps – local schemes and offers will vary across the country. As you explore each option below, you may discover additional opportunities that are relevant to your area or situation.
The process of disclosure is usually deeply traumatic for all concerned.
Whether primary, secondary, further or higher education, the education system is complex. Dealing with bullying, social media and exam stress can make coping with education difficult for both the primary and 3rd party victims of crime.
Caring can be expensive – increased travel to appointments, the need for takeaways when you’ve been dealing with a crisis, additional expenses if you need help around the home – it all adds up. Worrying about money is incredibly stressful but you maybe entitled to more help than you think.
Your loved one may be struggling with their health and this might be apparent and they should be receiving support. Your own health is probably way down your list of priorities but staying resilient is essential
It’s important if you are making decisions for someone else about their money or their health provision that you are confident that you are doing this legally and with their consent.
Knowing that you have a plan in an emergency and that you have organised your own affairs safely isn’t very exciting but it will give piece of mind to you and your loved one. Don’t put it off.
It’s exhausting managing the demands of care, dealing with multiple agencies, coping with your own thoughts and feelings and trying to keep some kind of normal life going.
Balancing the social and financial benefits of work with the unpredictable nature of caring for a victim of crime can be a struggle.
Having rights and feeling able to assert them are two totally different things. Simply accepting that you are a carer can be an emotional experience in itself.
I never imagined I’d have to become an expert in so many different systems, jargon and legal processes. Sometimes it’s pretty overwhelming.