Police publish Victim Support Strategy

West Midlands Police have formally set their plan for how they will support victims of crime over the next three years.

The newly published Victim Strategy 2026 - 2029 explains how the service will provide a professional, fair and inclusive service to victims of crime and their families.

West Midlands Police have also established a Victims Board to ensure that they are all following the strategy and delivering on its commitments. Made up of officers and staff from across the force, the Victims Board will regularly monitor the service provided to victims, promote best practice and highlight and implement improvements where necessary.

Superintendent Nathan Murray is the force's Victim Lead. Superintendent Murray said: “It’s a given that providing the best possible service to victims is at the core of everything we do, and we take this responsibility very seriously.

“Our newly developed strategy outlines how we’ll ensure victims receive the service that they deserve and, crucially, that they’re legally entitled to in accordance with the Victims’ Code.

“We’ve also set up our Victims Board to make sure we’re following through on the commitments we’ve made in our strategy, reviewing what we’re doing well and where we need to do better so that victims are consistently getting the best possible service from us.”

“We’ve developed our strategy in consultation with Natalie Queiroz MBE, who was appointed Victims’ Advocate for the region by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner last year.”

Victims’ Advocate for the West Midlands Natalie Queiroz MBE added: "My aim is very clear: I will ensure the voice of the victim is heard and that the police and other criminal justice agencies are held to account. I’ll be that critical friend, making sure all services are doing their absolute best for all victims in our region, regardless of the victim’s background or the crime committed, so justice can be accessed by all.

"I will make sure the Victims' Code is upheld and that everyone knows their rights. It’s vital that victims feel understood and that they understand what information and support they are entitled to, hence they become empowered to navigate the justice system from the very first point of reporting."

The WMP Victim Strategy 2026-2029 is available to view on online.