Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what specific mental health services are offered to young people and children who have witnessed knife crime or who have friends who have died.

The Government is committed to ensuring victims of serious crime receive the support they need to cope and recover in the aftermath of traumatic events. In 2021/22, the MoJ is providing £150.5 million for victim and witness support services, of which £115 million is being distributed via Police and Crime Commissioners who commission local, practical and therapeutic support services for victims of all crime types, including serious violence.

The MoJ provides up to £4.6 million per annum to Victim Support to deliver the Homicide Service which supports immediate family members residing in England and Wales, who are bereaved through homicide both at home and abroad. The service provides a dedicated caseworker and emotional, practical, advocacy and peer support, as well as onward referrals to therapy and counselling. We know that witnessing a murder or manslaughter can have a devastating impact on people’s lives which is why we are funding a pilot ‘Witness to Homicide Service’ in London. This service has been receiving referrals since September 2019 and provides witnesses with emotional support, practical support through the criminal justice process and referrals to specialist therapy for trauma.