The national charity Victim Support has discovered that 91% of people think that it is important police and crime commissioners (PCCs) listen to victims when carrying out their role.

However, the YouGov survey for the charity also reveals that: less than a quarter of people (23%) believe that victims will be a priority for PCCs in practice; and just one in five (18%) think that PCCs will make a positive difference to the support victims get.

The survey findings come as Victim Support launches a manifesto for PCC candidates to sign up to ahead of the elections on 15 November.

The manifesto is being supported by campaigners Brooke Kinsella MBE, and Nick Ross.

In the manifesto, Victim Support is asking PCC candidates to sign up to five promises to victims, and to prove to the voting public that victims will be a priority.

The charity is also calling on the public to use their votes to support candidates who will make the greatest difference for victims.

The pledges the charity is asking candidates to make are to:

Be open and accountable to victims and witnesses, seeking out and acting on their views.

Ensure that victims and witnesses get the high quality help and support they need, when they need it.

Make the police more victim-focused and more effective at meeting their needs.

Help victims and witnesses to have a louder voice in the wider criminal justice system, and the community.

Constantly improve the experience of victims.

Javed Khan, chief executive of Victim Support said: “The future of support for victims is in the hands of PCCs.

“But, our survey shows that most people don’t know about PCCs, what they’ll do or have little faith that they’ll prioritise victims’ needs.

“It’s now time for PCC candidates to stand up and prove to the public that they are committed to victims.

“That’s why we are calling on all PCC candidates to sign up to five promises, which put victims first.”

The YouGov survey for Victim Support also reveals that:

People in PCC areas across England and Wales don’t think victims of crime get listened to, or get enough help from the police or the criminal justice system.

Less than half of people (47%) in PCC election areas across England and Wales know about the PCC elections.

In areas set for elections only 1% of people know who all their local PCC candidates are.

Almost nine out of ten people do not know what PCCs will do (55% do not know very much and 30% do not know anything).

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