Support for children and young people

If you are over the age of 13 and someone has ever hurt you, touched you, or made you do anything you didn’t want to, you can get support through our ISVA service.

Our ISVAs are all specially trained to work with children and young people who have been sexually abused or assaulted. You will always be believed and your dedicated ISVA will provide a confidential space for you to talk about your emotions and any worries that you may have about what’s going on. Your ISVA will be a safe person that you can ask any questions you have about what happens with the Police or what happens at Court. They can also do some specific pieces of work with you if you want, to help you understand that it was not your fault and find ways for you to cope and recover from what has happened. This might include being referred for counselling, other specialist services or groups and activities that will help you to build your confidence. If you are under 13, we may work with your parents to help them understand how they can support you. You can also call Childline 0800 1111 to chat to a Counsellor anytime, day or night. The calls are free, and you don’t have to tell them your name if you don’t want to. If you are unsure if you have been abused or assaulted, you can find more information on our sexual violence website.

“I just want to thank you. When I first came to you, I had nobody to talk to about the rape and you totally supported me through the whole process. You walked me all the way through everything and made sense of a horrible situation I was in, and I don’t know how I would have managed alone. You literally saved my life. I had the support of someone who absolutely understood me and my situation with absolutely no judgement. I felt safe and reassured by her care and knew that I could turn to her any time if needed and she made it such fun. She knew instinctively how to speak to me, and it’s not only been useful but life-changing. The ISVAs were brilliant all the way through with both me and my family, especially my Mum. When I needed them they were there – they still are now. The support fitted around me. I needed the most support at court – they prepared me for it, being with someone who knew what was happening and explaining it to me. It was nice to have someone from outside the family and friends for support. You can say things to them you wouldn’t say to family and friends because you don’t have to protect them. Everything was brilliant, I don’t think I could have done it without them. I rate this service 10/10.” – Jayne, 16