Parents and guardians

Victim First are here if you want to talk to someone about how you might be feeling and any concerns you may have for your child. Victim First can inform you about the help and support that is available for both you and your child.

Supporting a child or young Person

• Offer a listening ear, reassure them you are there to listen if they want to talk and when they are ready to do so. Giving them the time and space to process what has happened and a safe environment to do this in, will help them build trust and reassurance that they are protected and can talk to you.
• Sometimes a child or young person can find it difficult to express how they are feeling and explain certain situations. It can feel disappointing if a child or young person isn’t sharing the full details or an event. Just knowing you are there when they are ready to talk will support them through this time
• After a crime, a young person can experience various effects, such as feeling different emotions, having physical changes, or behaving differently. If you are concerned about your child speak to a trusted professional such as a GP or Victim First caseworker.
• Remember there is always help out there and you do not have to go through this alone. You can contact us or visit the useful organisations list on this page.

Who can your child speak to?

It’s important that your child has a network of trusted adults who they can talk to. These should be adults they feel safe and comfortable with, so it might be someone who has supported them before.

If your child is not comfortable talking to someone they know, remind them that they can ask for help from a professional such as:

• Teachers
• Doctors
• A school nurse or support worker
• A Victim First Caseworker

How we will work with you and your child

Any parent or guardian whose child has been affected by crime can contact us for guidance and support.

Our team of experienced and professional caseworkers can work directly with your child. We can provide emotional and practical support to help them to cope and recover from their experiences.

If we feel that there is another agency better placed to work with you or your child then we will always help you to access these services.