THE needs of victims of crime are largely being ignored, according to a report published this week.

Victim Support has launched a campaign for greater services and support for people who have suffered from crimes, following the release of the report entitled Criminal Neglect: No Justice Beyond Criminal Justice on Tuesday.

The watchdog group is calling for Government policy makers to recognise and provide for the needs of crime victims.

Proposed measures include introducing protected rights in legislation and appointing a commissioner for victims of crime.

Victim Support provides help to thousands who have experienced offences every year through its local network of trained staff and volunteers.

However, it claims far too many people still get no help or recognition.

According to the report, 96 per cent of victims get no other help other than the services of the charity.

Only four per cent of people benefit from the criminal justice system or are awarded compensation for violent crimes.

Since the charity was set up in 1974, the police, courts, probation service and other criminal justice agencies have adopted measures to improve their services.

However, Government funding for Victim Support represents less than one per cent of total public spending on law and order.

This, the group says, is a gross abdication of social responsibility.

The report highlights how official agencies fail to provide appropriate services and are still largely unaware of their special needs of victims of crime.

Problems included neglecting to train medical staff on the extra needs of patients injured through crime and not giving re-housing priority to people who are violated in their homes.

It was also revealed that current social security rules mean victims receiving compensation for criminal injuries are likely to have benefits stopped.

Spokesperson Kate Belinis said: "Everyone at Victim Support is committed to providing the very best support to local victims of crime.

"But all too often the people we help come up against failures and lack of understanding from other agencies that should be helping them cope with their experiences.

"Crime and its effects are a problem for society as a whole and it is time for a co-ordinated response at national and local level to give victims the best possible support for all their needs."