Children and young people can experience many kinds of crime, however, they may not realise they have been a victim, might not want to go to the police and can be confused by the Criminal Justice System. Worryingly, many even see violent crime, such as sexual abuse, mugging and rape, as a normal part of growing up. Crime against young people is often committed by someone they know and this can make things more complicated.

Children and young people can be indirectly affected by crime, such as Domestic Abuse in the home, and the impact of this can often be overlooked.

How to get help

If you are in immediate danger call the police by dialling 999. If you would like to speak to a police officer but it isn’t urgent then you can call 101.

Your Victim Focus Officer can support you and help you access specialist help. Click here to find out about your local Victim Focus Team and how to contact them.

• You and Co – www.youandco.org.uk

You and Co is run by Victim Support. This website looks at different types of crime, how children and young people can feel after becoming a crime victim and what they can do if they want to get some support with or without going to the police.

• ChildLine –  www.childline.org.uk

Childline is available to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night. You can talk to them on the phone, by email or throughout 1-2-1 counsellor chat.

Contact them on 0800 1111 anytime

• Meic – www.meiccymru.org