We are saddened and disturbed by the horrific attack that took place in Cambridgeshire last night. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all those affected during this incredibly difficult time. If you have been impacted, we are here to support you now via our 24/7 Supportline and live chat.
Katie Kempen
@katiekempenvs.bsky.social
Criminal justice, books, CEO of Victim Support.
If you've been affected by the terror attack on Heaton Park synagogue, we're here for you. You can use our free 24/7 Supportline or live chat service to speak with one of our specialist supporters, and get the help you need. Talk to us. 📞 08 08 16 89 111 💻 victimsupport.org.uk/livechat
UK anti-slavery commissioner launches investigation into ‘pimping websites’
UK anti-slavery commissioner launches investigation into ‘pimping websites’
Eleanor Lyons will interview women who say they have been trafficked into sex work and advertised online The independent anti-slavery commissioner has launched an investigation into so-called pimping websites amid concern at the level of exploitation of trafficked and vulnerable women on those platforms. Eleanor Lyons will interview women who say they have been trafficked into sex work and advertised on adult services websites such as Vivastreet that allow users to browse images and videos of women selling sex in their local area. Continue reading...
theguardian.com
July reading - some stunners in here. All but the Coupland and Kukafa are feminist gems in their own different ways and generations.
Today at Gloucestershire Constabulary @glos-police.bsky.social we hosted national & local Victim Support colleagues to talk through the work of the force to support victims of crime. Lovely to see @katiekempenvs.bsky.social & Prof Claire Collins from the national team.
As part of a new bill, the government is planning to reintroduce the Supplementary Vote system for mayoral and PCC elections. This is a hugely welcome return, and a change we have been calling for – to put more choice back into the hands of voters.
June reading. Jefferson Fisher is accessible and helpful for me. Alarming how many of the issues in Blessin Adams’ book remain for women today, but a decent social history. Coe does a typically impressive job of describing key moments in British history (this time the lettuce). Not a bad pile.
❗ Last week, the government announced that pornography depicting any act of strangulation will be made illegal through the Crime and Policing Bill. This goes some way in acknowledging the harmful role violent pornography plays in society. ➡️ Read our full comment: bit.ly/3FZPA1x
Great to share the #CampaignOfTheYear award at #SMKAwards2025 tonight between our campaign #KeepCounsellingConfidential - a coalition with @evawuk.bsky.social @rapecrisis.bsky.social & Centre for Women’s Justice - and the fantastic #NoBirthBehindBars from Level Up. Solidarity! #LoveCampaigning
PLOT TWIST: Our JOINT winners for the 2025 #CampaignOfTheYear are #KeepCounsellingConfidential and #NoBirthBehindBars. smk.org.uk/awards_no... smk.org.uk/awards_no... #SMKAwards2025 #LoveCampaigning
Can anyone point me to any good examples of writing on equality vs equity as they relate to policing, ideally with specific reference to the public sector equality duty in the Equality Act 2010?
Out and about with our Deputy Service Directors and our Operations Managers today. Ops Managers are an essential part of delivering high quality services. They have difficult jobs. Our conference is investing in their leadership, resilience and wellbeing.
A cracking month for reading. @lucygobag.bsky.social’s powerful writing has truly changed the way I think about the world and was well timed for me. I found Murata’s latest too dark and upsetting. Very much loved Sandwich and The Wedding People though. Both beautiful and hopeful in their own way.
MPs are now considering the second reading of the Victims and Courts Bill. Watch the debate ⬇️ parliamentlive.tv/event/index/...
Been waiting to read this since @lucygobag.bsky.social spoke so compellingly to our service supporting those bereaved by murder and manslaughter earlier this year. Not a bad way to spend an hour between parent-taxi responsibilities.
April reads - The Generous Leader had some great ideas. Enjoyed everything else, but no big stand outs.
We're here to listen with compassion and tailor our support to you. Our services are #Free, #Independent, and #Confidential. We're dedicated to helping anyone affected by crime and traumatic incidents. Get in touch, anytime. 📞 08 08 16 89 111 💻 victimsupport.org.uk/live-chat
Our amazing HR Business Partner is running London marathon this weekend. Please do take a look and consider sponsoring her for @victimsupport.bsky.social www.linkedin.com/posts/activi...
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We have recently welcomed a new Chair at @victimsupport.bsky.social. Yvonne Thomas has joined us from The Clink and will be leading our Board through the next few years of Victim Support’s work: www.linkedin.com/posts/victim...
We're delighted to appoint Yvonne Thomas as our new Chair for the board of… | Victim Support | 10 comments
We're delighted to appoint Yvonne Thomas as our new Chair for the board of trustees. Yvonne was formerly Chief Executive of The Clink Charity, which aims to reduce reoffending through volunteerin...
linkedin.com
We know that some days are harder than others, and processing trauma isn't always linear. No one should ever be made to feel unsafe for being who they are. Remember, everyone deserves to live a life free from abuse and violence 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ If you want to speak to someone, we're here for you. 💻 galop.org.uk
Well worth a look today and I’ll be reading in full. These recommendations are not what I was instinctively expecting, but looking forward to the insights the report brings. Hoping to see a greater focus on victims’ needs in the full publication.
The final report of @thetimes.com Crime and Justice Commission is published today. This is our ten point plan to transform a broken system
There have been some really beautiful vinyl releases lately. Didn’t get the RSD releases I wanted, but Lucy Dacus’ beautiful new album means I don’t really mind.
The wonderful @victimsupport.bsky.social are on Bluesky. Please give them a follow, friends #FF
We provide 24/7 help and guidance to all victims of crime and those supporting them. Find out more about how we can help: www.victimsupport.org.uk/help-and-support/how-we-can-help/ 📞 08 08 16 89 111 💻 victimsupport.org.uk/live-chat
Beautiful day in York. Beautiful day to catch up with @ciarabergman.bsky.social and spend some time with my Senior Leadership Team colleagues.
“While voluntary organisations are committed to adapting and innovating, there is a limit to how much they can absorb without sustained investment…Yet, despite these challenges, there is still hope, resilience, and impact.” Very familiar themes in this report.
Clinks annual State of the Sector report finds: "Demand for voluntary sector support continues to grow, with people presenting with more complex and urgent needs against a backdrop of declining public services and a rising cost of living." www.russellwebster.com/the-state-of...
I thought this was interesting - the percentage of crimes recorded by police in 2023/24 that were flagged as domestic abuse related ranged from 10% in the Met to 22% in Staffs (excl. BTP and CoLP). #crimestats
Today, the CEOs of Women's Aid Federations from Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales attended a vital roundtable discussion hosted by the COVID Inquiry on the impact of domestic abuse during the pandemic 🗣 (1/2)
March reads - some beauties in here. Anne Tyler, Tish Delaney and Hazel Lottie all writing stories on the contrast between what you thought your life would look like and the realisation of what it is. All excellent reads. Anthony Bourdain re-read inspired by @sianushka.bsky.social and her 4pm beer🍺