Victims First

31/10/2026

Don’t be cyber-tricked this Halloween 🎃

✅ Create strong passwords
✅ Use different passwords for all your accounts
✅ Turn on 2-step verification for added protection
✅ Limit sharing personal information online
✅ Use a password manager to safely store passwords
✅ Turn off location services
✅ Don't click on unknown links or attachments
✅ Install antivirus software
✅ Update apps and devices when prompted
✅ Don’t rush to act

30/10/2026

🕸️ 👻 🎃 🎆 Halloween and Bonfire Night often see a spike in anti-social behaviour.

This could include nuisance, rowdy or inconsiderate neighbours, property damage, threatening behaviour towards others, inappropriate use of costumes and/or decorations, ding d**g ditching (ringing a doorbell or knocking on a door and running away), uncontrolled or unsafe use of fireworks, deliberate fire setting or vandalism, graffiti or fly-tipping.

If you experience anti-social behaviour that is a criminal offence this weekend, our 24/7 live chat service can offer support.

29/10/2026

An invaluable collaboration 🤝 between Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, Aurora New Dawn, RSASS South Buckinghamshire and Thames Valley Police

Independent domestic violence advocates attend reports of domestic abuse alongside police officers to provide immediate information, reassurance and practical assistance to victims, helping to create safer outcomes.

Now underway in Buckinghamshire, the service has already supported over 3000 victim-survivors in Hampshire.

🚔🤝 PCC funds Domestic Violence Advocate Car Service

An innovative service in which specially trained independent domestic violence advocates join Thames Valley Police police officers in patrol cars to attend reports of domestic abuse has launched in Buckinghamshire.

The Domestic Violence Advocate (DVA) Car Service is delivered by domestic abuse and stalking support charity, Aurora New Dawn.

The aim is to offer independent advice and support to victims of domestic abuse at the time that they have reached out for help.

The service, which has already supported over 3000 victim-survivors in Hampshire, will be running in Buckinghamshire on selected evenings.

Funding for the project has been provided through the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley's Community Safety Partnership Fund with co-funding from RSASS South Buckinghamshire.

💬 Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner, Matthew Barber said: “I am delighted to be supporting the running of the DVA car service in Buckinghamshire.

“Most victims who report domestic abuse do so in a moment of courage or crisis. Having an independent advocate present in that critical window of opportunity can significantly increase victim engagement, improve opportunities for safeguarding and help to bring more offenders to justice.”

According to Aurora New Dawn research, 100% of the victims whose reports Aurora attended spoke to Aurora Staff and agreed to take information about support services available to them.

💬 Lyn Tiller, Operations Director of Aurora New Dawn, said: “Our experience in Hampshire has shown that early intervention can make a significant difference in helping people access ongoing support and improve their safety.”

Read more via the link in the comments below👇

28/10/2026

💬 “You’re being crazy / paranoid.”

“X and Y think you’re crazy too.”

“You’re overreacting.”

“You’re too sensitive.”

“It was just a joke. Why can’t you take a joke?”

“That never happened.”

“You’re remembering it wrong.”

“If you didn’t do x, then I wouldn’t have said / done y.”

Gaslighters manipulate by deflecting or shifting blame or accountability, minimising or dismissing feelings or reactions, rewriting history and / or denying events or behaviours.

Gaslighting is real. And it is a form of emotional abuse.

If you hear these phrases often in your relationship, Victims First can offer support. Contact us on 0300 1234 148 or via live chat on our website.

26/10/2026

New civil behaviour orders designed to curb persistent anti-social behaviour launch today.

Respect Orders target repeat adult offenders of ASB.

The new orders can be used to deal with a wide range of anti-social behaviours including

🍺 Persistent public drunkenness and open drug use
🚘 Dangerous or anti-social vehicle use
🗣️ Abusive behaviour or intimidation towards neighbours or members of the public
📻 Persistent and excessive noise nuisance
🏪 Prolific shoplifting and low-level retail theft
🔨 Vandalism and criminal damage
🐕 Irresponsible dog ownership
🚨 Using a home for illegal activity

Under a Respect Order the Courts can issue tailored restrictions such as prohibiting an individual from entering a specific geographic location, public drinking bans and curfews alongside mandatory positive requirements designed to address the root causes of behaviour including substance misuse treatment or anger management courses. The Courts can also hand out unlimited fines, require voluntary activity within the community and seize vehicles including e-bikes and e-scooters.

Several agencies can apply for Respect Orders including local authorities, the police and social housing providers.

Unlike previous civil behaviour orders, breaching a Respect Order is a criminal offence (carrying a maximum penalty of up to two years in prison) giving the police strengthened enforcement powers.

At Victims First we understand that persistent anti-social behaviour causes misery, stress and even fear for victims. If you are experiencing anti-social behaviour that is a criminal offence, we can offer emotional and practical support. Contact us on 0300 123 4148 or via live chat on our website.

23/10/2026

🌙⏰ Dark nights mean light fingers. With the clocks going back this weekend, it is important to take steps to keep your home safe from burglary:

🚪 Always lock your front door behind you when you come in of an evening and when you go out
💡 Leave lights on when you’re not in the house to make it appear occupied
🚶 Install motion-detected lighting around the perimeter of your home
🔐 Ensure garages, sheds and other outbuildings are securely locked
🌲 Keep shrubbery, hedges and trees around your house pruned so there’s no cover for a burglar to work unseen
⌚ Don’t leave valuables on display or near windows
🗞️ Cancel any recurring deliveries you have made to your home (like milk or newspapers) if you go away for a few days

And remember, if you see any suspicious behaviour, report it to Thames Valley Police.

Being burgled can be a traumatic experience. If you've been a victim of burglary and need support, contact Victims First on 0300 1234 148 or via live chat on our website.

19/10/2026

As the evenings draw in and the nights get darker, most of us will be spending more time at home. For many of us, that means cosy nights snuggled under a blanket in front of the tele. But for people experiencing domestic abuse, the home isn’t a place of comfort and safety, it is a place of fear.

Victims First can offer support to anyone experiencing any form of domestic abuse.

We know it takes courage to reach out for support but please know that you are not alone and help us available.

Call us at a safe time on 0300 1234 148.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - 0808 2000 247. Refuge

18/10/2026

Today is Anti-Slavery Day

See the Strings is a powerful new video campaign from the Coalition To Stop Slavery

Based on real survivor experiences, the puppetry used in the videos represent the control, coercion and manipulation that often lie behind exploitation - the unseen ‘strings’ that are used to trap people in abuse.

Remember, modern slavery is often hidden in plain sight.

See the Strings.
Spot the signs.
Make the invisible visible.

🔗 Discover the campaign and watch the videos at https://seethestrings.coalitiontostopslavery.org

If you have seen the strings of modern slavery or exploitation or have concerns for someone in your community, report it to Thames Valley Police or anonymously via the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline - 08000 121 700 Unseen & the Modern Slavery Helpline

15/10/2026

Experiencing a hate crime can make you feel upset, confused, angry, anxious or unsafe.

Victims First can:

✅ Help you feel heard and understood
✅ Provide emotional and practical support
✅ Enable you to report the incident without going directly to the police first

Remember, there is no place for hate in our communities.

If you have been a victim of a hate crime and need support, contact our team on 0300 1234 148 or via live chat on our website.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week

13/10/2026

We’re a month into the new school year and you’ve noticed a shift in your young person’s behaviour, that they’re hanging out with a new group of friends and are out of the house more at night.

These could be typical teenage changes. Or signs of knife carrying.

Other signs to look out for include 👇

🔴 Being secretive or protective of personal items, bags and pockets
🔴 Becoming defensive when questioned about their possessions
🔴 Low mood, erratic or volatile behaviours, aggressive or dismissive attitude
🔴 Withdrawal from usual friendship group(s), family and hobbies
🔴 Reduced attendance or attainment at school
🔴 Walking or dressing differently
🔴 Getting up and leaving the house abruptly
🔴 Have said their friends are carrying knives for protection or self defence
🔴 Items missing from the home particularly kitchen knives, scissors or tools that could be used as weapons like screwdrivers

If you’re concerned your young person may be carrying a knife, this leaflet from Home Office contains some useful information about next steps - www.knifecrimes.org/000904_KNIFE_A5_LEAFLET.pdf

You can also contact your local neighbourhood policing team Thames Valley Police for advice: www.thamesvalley.police.uk/area/your-area/local-policing-team-contact/triage/v2/contact-your-local-policing-team/

The The Ben Kinsella Trust, No Knives, Better Lives and www.staytruetoyou.co.uk all have useful resources about knife crime and safety conversations for parents and young people.