VOCAS is a free, independent and confidential advocacy service for adult victims of crime and anti-social behaviour living in Somerset, Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
Victims over the age of 18 can access advocacy, alongside practical and emotional support to help them to cope and recover from their experience and to engage with the criminal justice system if they choose to do so.
This enhanced service is available for
- adult victims who have barriers or additional support requirements linked to:
- adult victims who have been targeted because of their:
* Race * Religion * Sexuality * Gender identity * Mental health issues * Learning difficulties * Physical disabilities * Problems associated with old age * Problems associated with social exclusion or isolation
We work with victims whether or not they have reported to the police and no matter how long ago the crime or anti-social behaviour took place.
Our highly trained and qualified Advocates work across Avon and Somerset. We respond to the needs of victims using our flexible workforce and person directed approach.
If victims need advice their advocate will not provide it. Instead, advice will be issued by the VOCAS Team Manager, or one of SWAN’s Advocacy Support Team members. We also signpost victims to professional advice services.
VOCAS offers appointments at a location to suit the victim, for example in their home, or at a community venue.
More about VOCAS
Easy Read information for VOCAS Clients
Phone number: 03333 44 7928 (calls charged at a local rate)
E-mail: vocas@swanadvocacy.org.uk
VOCAS is commissioned by
Other Victim Services in Avon & Somerset
Victim Support (Avon & Somerset)
Victim Support provide emotional and practical help to people who have been affected by crime in Avon and Somerset. They are an independent charity and you can contact them for support regardless of whether you’ve contacted the police, and no matter how long ago the crime took place. They’ll help you for as long as it takes to overcome the impact of crime.
Safe Link
Safe Link provide support for anyone (women, men, children) who has been the victim of rape and sexual abuse across the whole of Avon and Somerset area. You do not have to report to the police to access their service.
The Bridge
The Bridge is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC). They offer medical care, emotional and psychological support, and practical help to anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted.
The Survivor Pathway
The Survivor Pathway is an online resource for anyone wanting to know more about specialist sexual violence support services in the South West.
Next Link
Next Link provide domestic abuse support services in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.
South Side Domestic Abuse Service
Southside can provide help to people who live in Bath & North East Somerset, who have been suffering from domestic violence and abuse.
Somerset Integrated Domestic Abuse Service
This is Somerset‘s main specialist service to provide support to men, women and children who are affected by domestic abuse.
Gemini Services
Gemini Services provide support to victims of domestic abuse in North Somerset.
SARI (Stand Against Racism & Inequality)
SARI’s casework service for victims of hate crime is completely free, confidential and available throughout the local authority areas of Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and Somerset.
Bristol Hate Crime & Discrimination Services
Bristol Hate Crime & Discrimination Services are a group of six partner organisations brought together to provide a complete service for victims of hate crime in Bristol. It is led by SARI, together with Bristol Mind, Brandon Trust, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender) Bristol, the Avon and Bristol Law Centre, and Resolve West.
Young Victims Service
Young Victims’ Service is for young people from 5 to 18 (can be up to 25 for those with additional needs) who need help and support following experiencing crime and/or anti-social behaviour. The Service is provided throughout Avon and Somerset.
Restorative Approaches Avon & Somerset (RAAS)
RAAS is a free and confidential Restorative Justice service where someone has been harmed by an incident such as a crime, anti-social behaviour, or other wrongdoing. They aim to give the harmed person a voice and the person responsible a chance to repair the harm caused. Sometimes the harm goes both ways.
Lighthouse Victim & Witness Care
Lighthouse is a team of staff from the police and victim support organisations, working together to guide, advise and support victims and witnesses.