“Isaac died alone in the back of an ambulance, and that was the day our life sentence began.”

I am very fortunate to have some truly supportive people around me. In recent years I have had to rely on these people, as me and my family have had to face the most traumatic event of our lives – the murder of my brother.

On 25 January 2014, my little brother Isaac Stone was attacked on Costin Street, Midland Road, Bedford. He was 19.

Isaac was a happy go lucky person, he always had an infectious smile on his face – a very big one at that, which everyone would comment on! He was handsome, kind hearted and very nurturing. He had time for everyone, and would always be willing to help someone else.

Advertisements

As a volunteer, I’m using skills from my career and helping others at the same time

Before I retired, I was a broadcast journalist with a very demanding job and a highly developed work ethic. I knew I needed to have a role that would fill the gap in my life that my career was providing. I had been called for jury service in London and found the administration of justice compelling, so decided I would apply to become a magistrate.

Helping victims to become survivors

During this national 16 Days of action on domestic abuse, we turn the spotlight on Bedfordshire Police’s Victim Engagement Officers.

“VEOs” aren’t police officers, we are specially trained members of police staff who are there to support the victims of domestic abuse. Quite often we get involved at the point when an offender is in custody, but can also be brought in once a complaint has been made, and the offender has not yet been arrested.

While police officers deal with the criminal aspects and investigation of a case, we are there for the victim; toprovide help and assistance with anything and everything at what will be probably the worst time in someone’s life.