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Victims’ needs front and centre as Greater Manchester launches new digital support portal


  • Transformational digital service to support victims of crime launched in Greater Manchester
  • The Greater Manchester Victims’ Services (GMVS) website and self-referral gateway acts as one-stop-shop for advice, information and support services
  • The service has been designed with input from victims and partners across Greater Manchester’s Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise sector

A new digital service has launched to give victims of crime in Greater Manchester a single place to go for help and support.

The Greater Manchester Victims’ Services (GMVS) website and self-referral gateway portal brings together information, resources and referral routes, designed around the real-life experiences of victims in our city-region.

It means people can now:

  • Access a new GMVS website – a one-stop-shop for advice, information and support services.
  • Use a self-referral gateway portal – a secure tool where victims can manage their own records and engagement with services.
  • Explore a new criminal justice timeline microsite – setting out what happens after a crime is reported, right through to the court process.

The new platform is open to anyone affected by crime, whether or not they have reported it to the police. It aims to simplify access to support, build trust in services, and reduce the risk of victims being retraumatised by having to retell their story.

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor for Safer and Stronger Communities, said:

“Every victim’s experience is unique based on a number of factors including the nature of the offence itself and their own personal circumstances, but all deserve to feel heard, supported and empowered. This new platform puts victims’ needs at the heart of the system, making it easier to get the right help in the right way at the right time.
“I’m proud of the work that has been done in recent years to build trust in our criminal justice system, and I hope this tool will help to reduce the anxiety and uncertainty victims can experience and encourage them to come forward for information and support.”

Caroline Lumsdon, Head of Service, Greater Manchester Victims Services, said:

"Greater Manchester Victims’ Services offers support to anyone aged 4 and over who has been affected by crime.
“Our dedicated team of Victim Care Coordinators provides expert; personalised support tailored to your individual needs. We’ve designed our services to be easy to access, and we work closely with a range of specialist victim support organisations across Greater Manchester.
“Whatever your circumstances, we’re here to help.”

 The service supports Greater Manchester’s wider ambitions to ensure people can access everyday support around safety, health and wellbeing in every neighbourhood.

The GMVS website and portal is free and available to anyone living in Greater Manchester who has been affected by crime, whether directly, as a witness, or as a family member. The service has been designed with input from victims and partners across Greater Manchester’s VCFSE sector.

Victims can self-refer into the service or be referred by a professional (e.g. police, GP, support worker).

For further information or to access the service, visit www.gmvictimsservices.org.

Article Published: 02/09/2025 13:52 PM