"The CYP ISVA has been really helpful from the beginning. My daughter seemed to share her feelings with her very easily. We appreciate all the help and support given to me and my daughter, especially in the court."

Our Children’s and Young Person’s(CYP) ISVA offers a free and confidential specialist service providing practical help and emotional support to children, who have been raped or sexually assaulted at any time in their lives and their families.  Our CYP ISVA is a friendly face who is able to support a child and their family in understanding the Police and Court processes.  They can also help them get help and advice from other services if needed.

We offer a safe space for children and young people to talk about their feelings and the CYP ISVA will explain what will happen at court and help them through the trial by being:

• independent
• friendly
• calm
• supportive
• informative - explaining each stage in a clear and helpful way that the child or young person will understand.

"Our CYP ISVA kept my head above water, she stopped me from drowning in an invisible river of trauma. She became a secret member of our family, she was our rock, she encouraged me to keep going."

Useful resources for children, young people and their parents:

Going to Court - A booklet for young witnesses aged 5 to 11 that explains what a witness does, what a courtroom looks like and who can help you to tell the court what you know.

Your rights, your body, your life - Sexual violence and the law: a young person’s guide produced by the Rights of Women.

The Victims’ Code for under 18s : guide for young victims of crime: understanding the support you should get produced by the Ministry of Justice

Your Child is a Witness - information and advice if you are a parent, carer, or a person accompanying a young witness to court, produced by

Your Children, Your Rights – a legal guide for parents of children who have been sexually abused, produced by Rights of Women and MOSAC.

"Child Sexual Abuse affects so many others, mothers, fathers, brothers and sisters, grandmas and grandads, teachers and friends, all dealing with the trauma of a young persons disclosure. It’s affects are felt across the board. A (non abusive) parent has deal with professionals and police, let SRASAC be your crutch. The one you can depend on. For you."