ACCORDING to the ancient proverb a problem shared is a problem halved.

Anne and Richard Bull from south Dorset would be the first to agree.

The couple, both in their late 60s, are strong advocates of Victim Support, a charity committed to helping local people come to terms with crime.

Their story begins some seven-and-a-half years ago when they moved into what they thought was their dream home. But within weeks the couple were harassed, insulted and intimidated by teenagers, culminating in a physical assault on Anne which landed her in hospital.

According to Richard the whole neighbourhood lived in fear, but the police were powerless to help.

"We called the police on numerous occasions but their hands were tied. You have to see it to believe it but preventative policing doesn't seem to exist in today's society," he says.

Eventually, after nine months of suffering, the police put the pair in touch with Victim Support - an independent charity for people affected by crime. Ian Drummond, a 58 year old volunteer from Weymouth, was assigned to their case.

"I don't know what we would have done without him. He's been our rock," Richard says.

"The police come and listen because they have to. Ian listens because he wants to. It's a huge difference.

"He initially visited the house on a weekly basis, but if we really needed to talk to him outside these times he'd be there," Richard continues.

"We couldn't have got through it without Ian," adds Anne.

"It was such a sense of relief to talk to him. We'd soaked it all up like a sponge and Ian helped us wring that sponge out."

Victim Support offers confidential information, emotional support and practical help following crimes like assault, harassment, burglary, domestic violence, rape and murder. From advice on crime prevention and assistance with insurance and benefit claims, to a friendly face to support victims in court or just a shoulder to lean on, their fully trained staff and volunteers offer a completely free service to the community.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Hargreaves, from Dorset Police headquarters, agrees Victim Support provide a valuable resource.

"It's difficult to comment on this couple's experience without knowing the specifics of the case. It can be very difficult to give victims the support they need, which is where the likes of Victim Support come in.

"We've worked hard over the last 18 months to generate an automated system that speeds up the process of getting referrals over to Victim Support. Not only that but we also have a letter that's sent to all victims and a leaflet that officers hand out when they take details of the crime."

Each year more than 1.75 million people receive help either through local branches, the Witness Service or national telephone service.

But Victim Support is not just there at the outset. Anne and Richard have long since moved, but the effects of their experience are still with them.

"Like Chinese water torture, the pound of a football on concrete still goes right through me," Richard confides.

"When you're continually subjected to something it wears you down and puts you on tenterhooks all the time.

"Of course it's left its mark. I'll never see neighbourhoods in the same way again and I have a complete lack of confidence in the ability of police to uphold local bylaws and protect people. Antisocial behaviour is a terrible blight on our society and unfortunately it doesn't just happen on council estates in Manchester - it occurs in all sorts of places you wouldn't expect.

"But Ian and his organisation have been great. Victim Support definitely helped us survive the trauma."

As one of more than 125 unpaid volunteers in Dorset, Ian admits listening is the biggest part of his job.

"I was a bit of a lad in my younger years and I wanted to give something back to the community.

"My previous experience through a nationwide listening organisation has been a fantastic foundation for Victim Support but we receive regular and ongoing training."

Ian deals with a myriad of different issues on a daily basis. Like a piece of string, he says some take a short time to resolve, some, like Anne and Richard's case, continue for a number of years. But all are equally important to the charity and Ian emphasises volunteering is an incredibly rewarding experience.

"Some people like to talk face to face, some are more comfortable talking on the phone.

"Sometimes cases even keep me awake at night, but helping people gives me a warm, glowing feeling inside."

Victim Support in Dorset is celebrating its 21st anniversary. If you've been affected by crime, or would like information on how to become a volunteer, visit victimsupport.org.