THOUSANDS of crime victims are missing out on vital support, a group set up to help them has claimed.

County Durham's volunteer-run Victim Support has said many organisations are "turning a blind eye" to the plight of victims. The claim echoes a report by Victim Support's national organisation, which is calling for improvements in the help available.

Last year, 5,000 victims had visits from Victim Support, 2,500 received phone calls and 7,500 were sent a letter.

Area manager Trudi Ranson said: "All too often, the people we help come up against the failure and lack of understanding from other public organisations that should be helping.

"Too many agencies turn a blind eye to the impact of crime on a victim's health, employment, housing, finance and education.

"The effects of crime are a problem for society as a whole. It is time all public services acknowledged their shared responsibility for helping people cope."

The national report said that while there had been improvements in the services available in the criminal justice system for victims, 96 per cent of victims received no help other than that given by Victim Support.