A new role has been created to provide emotional support to families of victims seriously injured or killed in road accidents. As part of a collaboration with road safety charity Brake, Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne has funded the new Independent Road Victim Advocate (IRVA) position. The IRVA, who will be employed by Brake, will be specifically trained to assist families during their most challenging times.
READ MORE: Motorcyclist suffers serious injuries after crashing into parked car They will be able to help with day-to-day tasks that can become overwhelming for people who have lost a loved one such as managing their finances and helping them to understand procedures such as court cases. The IRVA role will also support the ongoing work that Sussex Police do to help victims and prevent collisions on the county’s roads. This includes the annual winter campaign to tackle drink-and-drug driving during the festive period and work to tackle antisocial driving and motorcycle riding through Operation Downsway during the summer months.
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Through ongoing conversations with the road safety charity Brake and hearing about the work of its National Road Victim Service, I noticed a gap in our support provision regarding family members of those killed or seriously injured on the roads. "I wanted to provide families who are going through unimaginable distress, with a specialist and tailored support network that wi.