Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill is appealing for victims of crime from Weymouth, Portland and West Dorset to take their places on a special forum.

He says he wants to hear their stories so he can learn from their experiences and ensure that the needs of victims in Dorset are being met.

The West Dorset and Weymouth & Portland Victim Focus Group will take place on Thursday January 23, at the Magistrates Room, Corn Exchange, High West Street, Dorchester, from 10am to midday. It will be followed by a Victims Surgery.

At the forum, victims of crime will be asked for their views on their experience. Their advice will be used to help define victim services in Dorset. There will be a maximum number of 15 victims at the session and a trained Victim Support Officer will be in attendance.

Private afternoon surgery sessions are also available to any member of the public who may have been a victim of a more serious crime, such as sexual assault, or for victims who do not feel comfortable sharing their experiences in a group.

Martyn Underhill said: “It is important that I meet with victims so I can hear about their journey and find out how to meet their needs. I am asking those people who are victims of crime in Weymouth, Portland and West Dorset to come to my forum. We need to learn from people’s experiences and raise awareness of the different kinds of help available.”

To find out more, register to attend the focus group or to book a surgery appointment , please contact Susan Bickle, Community Engagement Officer, on 01202 223743, or by email : susan.bickle@dorset.pnn.police.uk.