Automatic Data Transfer

From 24 June 2025, victims who have reported to Thames Valley Police (TVP) will have their contact details automatically transferred to Victims First Hub (VFH) for the offer of support.  This change is being made to ensure all victims have timely access to support, in line with data-sharing provisions under the Victims' Code. 

 

As part of this process TVP will discuss the support available with victims, including explaining that Victims First will be in contact to discuss options of support. They will also give victims the opportunity to decline their details being shared.   

 

All other referrals into the VFH from partner agencies will still require consent from the victim.

 

All victims referred to the VFH by TVP will receive contact, which may be a call or written communication, dependent on the crime type and need of the victim. The most serious offences, including sexual offences, are prioritised for telephone contact. 

 

All Enhanced Victims (as recognised under the Victims Code), if safe to do so, will also be contacted with the option of booking an appointment with a Victims First Officer (VFO). This will give victims the opportunity to book a call at a date and time that suits them. This booking link will remain open for a two year period and can be used at any time the victim chooses.  It can also be used should a victim choose to come back into the service at a later date, such as following criminal justice proceedings. 

 

A VFO will conduct a thorough needs assessment, considering all areas of a victim’s life that may have been impacted by crime. Based on this, they identify suitable organisations within the Thames Valley area, taking into account factors such as location, identified needs, and cultural considerations. These options are then explained to the victim over the phone, covering details such as the organisation’s name, location, waiting list and services offered. This enables the victim to make an informed choice about which service they wish to be referred to.

 

Referrals are not prioritised for commissioned agencies over other local services but we will ensure that a victim has the information they need to make a decision on their support and be led by their views. Referrals to external services from the VFH will still be based on the consent of the victim. 

 

Victims are also given information on self-help guidance and local services so can also make a decision to access alternative support independently as well. 

VFOs have adequate time to ensure victims are given the necessary information and space to make well-informed decisions and the appropriate needs and risk assessments are carried out. They talk through the options available and victims also have the choice to book a call in with the Hub at a time that best suits them. 

 

The change will mean that there will be an increase in the amount of people referred to the VFH and ensures everyone receives an offer of support. This will result in us being able to discuss the option of support, including the benefits of ISVA/ IDVA, with a greater number of victims. The VFH are victim led and consent-based though so the victim will ultimately have the choice on whether they want to access support and with which organisation. The VFH will continue to discuss a broad range of options of support, depending on the victim’s needs, and allow the victim to make this informed choice. 

 

If support is not taken up the VFH emphasis the option of re-accessing the VFH at any stage in the future via the booking link or other contact methods. Victims are also given information on self-help guidance and local services so they can also make a decision to access alternative support independently as well.