Victim Notification Scheme

In the last quarter of 2023, following a test phase in Thames Valley, Hampshire, Northumberland and Kent, Surrey and Sussex, a Victim Notification Service (VNS) will be rolled out to victims of stalking and harassment offences, who don’t qualify for the statutory Victim Contact Scheme. Through the service, victims will be informed of the offender’s release and will have the opportunity to request licence conditions should they wish to, such as a ‘no contact’ condition and an exclusion zone.  Victims of stalking and harassment offences that occurred prior to the VNS roll out date will not be eligible.

Not all those eligible will make licence condition requests, but should the victim respond to the notification, as well as informing of them of release and asking if they wish to request licence conditions, I will sign-post or refer them to specialist agencies or organisations that support victims of stalking and harassment.

I will need to inform the Prison Offender Manager (POM) and/or Community Offender Manager (COM) that I am supporting the victim/s of the person on probation or in prison and inform them of any request for licence conditions the victim makes.  In turn I should request that they keep me informed of a release or recall decision.