PCC's Victim Care Merseyside services featured in new national publication showcasing work to address racial disparity

2 '1st class' charities Commissioned by Merseyside's Police Commissioner to support Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) victims of crime have been featured in a new national publication showcasing some of the best initiatives addressing racial disparity across England and Wales. The services delivered by the Anthony Walker Foundation and Savera UK as part of Jane Kennedy's Victim Care Merseyside service are showcased in:- 'Race Disparity In Focus' which has been launched by the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC).

The 47 page digital publication, which includes a foreword from the Minister for Crime, Policing and the Fire Service, the Rt. Hon Kit Malthouse MP, provides a snapshot of the initiatives developed by Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) to address the issue of racial disparity, to improve representation and diversity, drive out hate crime and provide support for victims of crime. Among the 20 case studies in the new publication is a feature on these 2 of Jane's Victim Care Merseyside services and the specialist work they are undertaking to provide focused support to BAME victims of crime who may previously have been invisible to the Authorities.

Over the last 5 years, the Anthony Walker Foundation has helped nearly 5,000 people subjected to abuse or hatred because of their race or religion. The Foundation has also engaged with many thousands of Community members and young people to improve understanding of the issue of hate crime with the aim of building safer, stronger Communities. The feature article also describes the intensive work carried out by Savera UK who support victims of harmful practices, including those subjected to, or at risk of, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and 'honour' based abuse. Jane said:- "People who are of a BAME background are more likely to be victims of crime and to suffer disproportionately in Comparison to those of a white British background. Research conducted by my own team to inform me which were the most pressing areas of need revealed that many of these crimes continue to be unreported to the Police, meaning vulnerable victims were suffering in silence. I was Committed to changing that. By working with the Anthony Walker Foundation and Savera UK, I have been able to provide 2 services which are specifically designed to meet the needs of those previously invisible victims. I'm delighted that, through this new national publication, I have had the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the fantastic work delivered by these 2 1st class local charities. They are both outstanding and I am proud to work alongside them through the Victim Care Merseyside service, to raise awareness of these often hidden crimes and offer support to those who have been subjected to some devastating experiences. The testimony from the survivors who have turned to the Anthony Walker Foundation and Savera UK in their hour of need brings home just how truly invaluable these services are; not only improving lives, but in some cases, saving lives."

Victim Care Merseyside is a specialist package of support developed by the Commissioner which is designed to give victims the best possible help to cope and recover from the after effects of crime. If you've been affected by crime, please visit the Victim Care Merseyside website which offers advice, guidance and a Directory of services which offer support at:- VictimCareMerseyside.Org.  'Race Disparity In Focus' is the latest in a series of documents produced by the APCC to publicise the work of PCCs.

RSPCA appeal to find callous person who dumped a severely neglected young dog in park

THE RSPCA has launched an investigation after a dying young dog; which is believed to have been used for breeding was found dumped in a park. The young Bulldog type pet was taken into Animal Trust Veterinary Surgery, in Birkenhead, on Sunday, at about 4pm, by a man who claimed he had found her abandoned in Victoria Park, Ellesmere Port. The poor dog was in a collapsed state and it was clear she had been severely neglected. During further examination vets found the malnourished dog, which was suffering from hypothermia, had a range of health issues including a severe eye infection which meant she was unable to open her eyes. She also had a serious untreated ear infection, her nose was crusting and she also had a bad skin condition. There was also inflammation on her paw possibly from standing in her own urine. Vets struggled to take her temperature as she was so cold and it is believed she was probably kept enclosed outside as the underside of her coat was stained with urine and faeces and she had long nails; 1 had become ingrown. It was also found that the young female had a C-section scar so it is suspected she may have been used for breeding and when health problems arose she was left untreated and eventually abandoned.  Sadly due to her severe state of health due a vet decided the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep.

They reported the matter to the RSPCA who are now investigating and animal rescuer inspector Anthony Joynes is trying to trace the person responsible. Anthony said:- "This poor dog has suffered a catalogue of neglect there is never any excuse for a dog to be left suffering in this way,- especially as she was so young. She was a young dog and had a C section scar, so I suspect she had been used for breeding and then left to suffer with failing health without any veterinary treatment. Then whoever owned her not only failed her when she was alive but decided to just callously dump her like a piece of rubbish to die. I am keen to find the person responsible for this and appealing for anyone with information as to who owned the dog to get in touch."

Anthony added that he is keen to trace the man who carried the dog into the vets as he may be able to provide vital information about the investigation but he did not leave his details:- "The man said he found the dog in Victoria Park and I am keen to speak to him to find whereabouts he came across the dog as he may have seen something which will help the investigation. It may enable me to pinpoint nearby CCTV which could also help with the investigation."

The investigation Comes as BBC 3 prepare to broadcast a television programme:- 'Will My Puppies Make Me Rich?' which the RSPCA believes is extremely irresponsible and will encourage and glamorise breeding as a:- 'get rich quick' scheme which, in turn, could lead to serious dog welfare issues and fuel the illegal puppy trade. Along with a number of other animal welfare and veterinary organisations who shared our concerns, the animal welfare charity has written a joint letter to the programme creators and BBC 3 urging them to rethink.  Anyone with information which could help the investigation should contact the RSPCA appeals line on:- 0300 123 8018.