The number of victims of crime being referred to a local charity is set to increase during lockdown.

Victim Support, which helps victims deal with the effects of crime, expects cases referred to them to rise following the current and January lockdowns.

During the period June to September last year, there was an increase of 85% compared to the previous three months. The number for the last quarter has not yet been determined, but Victim Support believes it will follow a similar trend to the last recorded period.

Chair Jenny Grainger explained: ’We don’t have the stats yet for that period, partly because we’ve been so pushed to provide these welfare services that we haven’t been able to ascertain what the position is yet - we just don’t have the "hands on deck" to get to the bottom of it.

’But I can tell you that in the first lockdown, we had a 5% rise in referrals which in itself leads to a 25% increase in contacts which are the connections we make with each victim or witness.

’We’re expecting it to follow the same trend and we do maintain very accurate records as we report to the Department of Home Affairs, but I won’t be able to pull those out from the system until the end of this quarter.’

Victims of domestic violence make up 20% of their referrals and victims of domestic abuse 10%.

Ms Grainger said the charity is operating as though there’s no lockdown but with safety requirements: ’Welfare officers are still taking calls [from the office] every day and remotely offering assistance.

’The witness and "hand holding" side is closed due to the Courts of Justice being closed.’

In terms of how the public can be made aware of victims of crime and how to support them, she added: ’There’s a general awareness that [domestic violence/abuse] is happening.

’It’s happening in a much larger degree during these pressured times.

’It’s important to look out for one another, asking people if they’re OK and if they’re safe.

’Not necessarily steering them to take any action other than to touch base with us, as welfare officers will be aware of the dangers and give appropriate advice.

’We’re expecting this lockdown to increase our referrals requiring us to find £13,500, a huge amount for a small, independent charity like us.

’If people were able to donate anything, we’d be very grateful.’

Victim Support is currently campaigning for people to share their lunch spend, averaging about £5.26 a day.

Ms Grainger added: ’We’re trying to raise our profile and allow victims and witnesses to move on - we want them to feel as though they have come through the other side.’