Bianca Rembrandt, a Community Safety Advisor, looks at the impact that crime can have upon us as individuals and sets out the support and assistance that's in place for victims of crime.

Having to face being a victim of crime can be a daunting task, especially if you have to attend court and give evidence against the offenders who have perpetrated the crime against you.

The prospect of dealing with the practical side of increasing the security to your home if you have been burgled or having to deal with the extra paperwork when claiming insurance adds a further burden in trying to get back to normal life.

The other consequences of crime include dealing with the change in thoughts and feelings that can increase the fear of crime and prevent people from engaging in every day social activities because they don't want to be out late at night or they won't go into a certain area.

People can even change the way they interact with other people because they fit a certain negative stereotype and therefore limit their social contact. These negative emotions can produce behaviours that take us away from our real selves and normal functions in life.

Giving care in the community is one area that Victim Support as a charity holds dear to their values. They provide a service that tells you that you don't have to be by yourself when faced with and dealing with crime is a welcomed source of support which many can testify to.

They can provide you with much-needed information about police and court procedures and can even liaise with other organisations on your behalf. Their role is to support you in terms of emotional and practical support; and advocate the concerns of victims in dealing with the criminal justice system. They also represent your views at local, national and international level to ensure the continuity of care for victims in every community.

One particular area where Victim Support is of great support is when a victim or witness has to attend a police station or go to court. Many witnesses and victims find going to court can be a frightening and bewildering experience. Volunteers are trained to provide support and information about the court processes to witnesses, victims and their families, before, during and after the trial. Where children are witnesses, the NSPCC are the lead agency for service provision, and do this in partnership with Victim Support.

Victim Support is willing to listen to you to try and help you find peace of mind and their services are free and confidential. Their national telephone number is 0845 30 30 900 or log onto: www.victimsupport.org.uk.