We had the privilege of attending the Victim Support Dorset Launch event alongside Paragon’s Senior CYP DAA. The day brought together an inspiring mix of professionals and changemakers. Including:
- Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick
- Victim Support Deputy Service Director Tom Edward
- Area Manager Rebecca Chaplain
- Drew Best from Witness Care Services
Joining the event were other representatives from several key partner organisations.
The event featured powerful testimonies from individuals with lived experience. These offered insight into the real-life impact of the work we all do. And these stories remind us why we continue to strive for better, more empathetic services.
Workshop highlights: working together for better victim outcomes
One of the standout moments was a workshop focused on collaborative working for victims in Dorset. The session underlined a crucial truth: no single service can meet every need alone. By embracing partnership approaches, services can work together to provide more coordinated and compassionate support to victims and survivors. The workshop showcased best practices, challenged siloed thinking, and reinforced the power of meaningful collaboration.
Evolving services and shared appreciation
We also gained valuable insight into the changing landscape of the Witness Care Service. It has recently undergone significant transformations. These mark a new chapter in how victims and witnesses are supported throughout the criminal justice process.
The Paragon name was warmly and repeatedly mentioned throughout the day as a positive example of impactful work. Our contributions were recognised and appreciated by many in attendance, validating the tireless commitment we bring to improving victim support and cross-sector collaboration. We will continue to support the local community and those affected by domestic abuse.
If you live in Dorset and need to speak to someone about domestic abuse, please contact us.
