VULNERABLE victims of crime were being cared for at a new centre being opened in Ipswich today by Suffolk Constabulary.

VULNERABLE victims of crime were being cared for at a new centre being opened in Ipswich today by Suffolk Constabulary.

The Victim Care Centre is part of a £1.8million project and is the third of its kind to be opened in Suffolk.

It aims to improve the service offered to vulnerable and intimidated victims and witnesses of crime, including children and those who suffer domestic violence or hate crime.

Facilities at the centre will replace existing child protection team accommodation and will contain three fully equipped video interview rooms, a medical examination suite, conference room and office accommodation.

The constabulary has already secured £500,000 funding for the total project from the Home Office Premises Improvement Fund.

The centre's exact location in the town is being kept a closely-guarded to protect those wishing to take advantage of it.

Detective chief superintendent Stewart Gull, head of crime management, said: “Suffolk Constabulary is committed to taking a lead in providing a quality service to all victims of crime.

“The new centres, which will now be covering the whole of the county, will provide 24-hour specialist support and care for the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“Becoming a victim of crime can be traumatic for anyone - but particularly for the most vulnerable in our society.

“Our new centres will provide immediate specialist help and support to those who need it, helping them recover from their ordeal while at the same time assisting police in tracing those responsible for their suffering.”

John Doylend, area manager for Suffolk Victim Support, welcomed the opening of the new centre in Ipswich.

He said: “Our work complements that of the police and I am very pleased that Suffolk Constabulary is placing a greater emphasis on care and support for those affected by crime”

Victim Support is an independent national charity which has been helping people cope with crime for the past 30 years.

Anyone can contact Victim Support on 0845 3030900, or 01473 231964 or visit their website www.victimsupportsuffolk.co.uk.