Resources
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Taste of Recovery is an online package of support that has been developed by ReConnected Life and presented in partnership with Stepping Stones North Wales.
Thank you for taking this step with us. We’re with you. And we believe you.
Taste of Recovery has been designed as a three-week course with a daily mini lesson, no longer than 20 minutes. It will guide you through some questions and considerations. There are videos to watch and listen to, and workbooks to go through.
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Sexual abuse is a violation of power by someone with more power over a person who is vulnerable.
This violation takes a sexual form and involves a breach of trust, a breaking of boundaries and a profound violation of the survivor’s sense of self.
The most important thing to remember is that it is the ‘experience’ of the child. As a child, you are not able to consent in any way, shape or form.
Who is involved?
Sexual abuse happens in all social classes, regardless of gender or age.
Most sexual abuse happens with someone the person knows well and the abuser may be a member of the family or someone in a position of trust.
Sexual abuse can happen once, a few times or go on for many years and victims can be abused by more than one person. Sexual abusers may offer rewards to the person they are abusing.
The abuser may be of any gender.
How can sexual abuse affect people?
Sexual abuse can affect all areas of adult life including serious mental health issues and it can also affect physical health. Relationships with others may also suffer.
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Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body as a way of coping with or expressing overwhelming feelings, memories or experiences. While self-harm may make some people feel better and more able to cope in the short-term it can also raise complex and uncomfortable feelings (such as guilt or shame) that may make the person feel worse in the long term. It may also lead to serious injury, illness or death.
To learn more about self-harm, and for a link to a support organisation, click here
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-The term flashbacks is used to describe the experience of an event from the past being re-lived in the present.
-The feelings that are aroused through the experience are often as real (and can be just as frightening) as when the original event occurred.
-Survivors of abuse may experience flashbacks when something reminds them of events that still cause them distress and pain.
-Although flashbacks are very distressing they can be ‘managed.’
-There are ways to control them and also ways that family, friends and others can help.
-People who have been through traumatic events often have flashbacks, especially if they have not been able to talk through what has happened to them.
Helping yourself
Flashbacks are a normal response that deals with trauma. If you have not already done so, seek help.
Try and see what sets off a flashback for you.
Being aware of the triggers can be helpful in avoiding or controlling situations that are difficult for you to handle A trigger can be anything involving the 5 senses touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing. What triggers you today may change tomorrow
You cannot stop the initial intrusive thoughts occurring however you do have a choice with how you respond, you can go with the flow or you can choose to come back into the present. The way to do this is through ‘grounding skills’ (see below).
Grounding
Grounding skills help by keeping you in touch with what is actually around you ‘now’. This makes it more difficult to be overwhelmed by memories of the ‘past’. We can use any of our 5 senses to do this:
Sight – keeping your eyes open when you feel yourself going off can be helpful, so can concentrating on an object or colour in the room
Touch – feeling your feet on the ground or standing up quickly, moving your body can also help bring you back into the ‘present’. Holding onto an object or holding someone’s hand is helpful
Hearing – concentrate hard on listening to something or someone – a friend, the radio, a favourite piece of music
Taste – a strong taste can bring you back, e.g. lemon juice on your tongue
Smell – take deep breaths, light a scented candle, smell your favourite perfume/aftershave
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Dissociation has been defined as ‘a perceived detachment of the mind from the emotional state or even from the body’. We all experience some form of dissociation at times – from ‘losing’ ourselves in a book or piece of music to not remembering the car journey that we have just driven. However, studies show that most people who have moderate to severe dissociative states (discussed below) have experienced some form of abuse in childhood, although not all abuse survivors have a dissociative disorder.
Dissociation can be separated into five different types:
Amnesia: Being unable to remember occasions, experiences or personal info
Depersonalisation: A feeling that your body is unreal or not quite ‘there’. Some people also report feeling like they are watching themselves as if they are in a film
Derealisation: A feeling that the world and the people in it are not real. Objects may change in size, shape or colour
Identity confusion: A feeling of uncertainty about who you are or what makes you ‘you’
Identity alteration: A noticeable change in your identity or personality that alters the way you behave in different situations (for example, behaving differently when with your family or your work colleagues)
We all experience occasional episodes of dissociation as a part of our everyday life, even severe episodes are a natural response to a traumatic event such as the death of a loved one. Dissociative disorders, however, happen when someone experiences continued and repeating dissociative episodes that cannot be explained away by, for instance, everyday forgetfulness or a period of illness.
What can be particularly difficult about dissociative disorders is that while the person experiencing them may be feeling frightened, alone or confused, outwardly they may appear to be functioning perfectly well.
Some potential effects of a dissociative disorder may include:
-Gaps in memory
-Distorted views of your body
-Forgetting appointments and/or -personal information
-Feelings of being unreal
-Internal voices and dialogue
-A sense of detachment from your emotions
-Feeling as though there are different people Inside you
-Feeling that you don’t know who you are
-Feeling detached from the world
-Finding possessions that you cannot recall buying or being given
-Feeling like a stranger to yourself
-Acting like different people/child-like behaviour
If you feel that you may be affected by a dissociative disorder, you may want to discuss this with your counsellor. Counselling can be an effective way of re-establishing the connections between thoughts, feelings, memories and perceptions that you may have learnt to dissociate from as a way of surviving your abuse.
Over time, you will form an accepting, non-judgemental and clearly boundaried therapeutic relationship with your counsellor. This will allow you to safely reconnect to your experiences and regain a sense of empowerment and control.
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Dissociation has been defined as ‘a perceived detachment of the mind from the emotional state or even from the body’. We all experience some form of dissociation at times – from ‘losing’ ourselves in a book or piece of music to not remembering the car journey that we have just driven. However, studies show that most people who have moderate to severe dissociative states (discussed below) have experienced some form of abuse in childhood, although not all abuse survivors have a dissociative disorder.
Dissociation can be separated into five different types:
Amnesia: Being unable to remember occasions, experiences or personal info
Depersonalisation: A feeling that your body is unreal or not quite ‘there’. Some people also report feeling like they are watching themselves as if they are in a film
Derealisation: A feeling that the world and the people in it are not real. Objects may change in size, shape or colour
Identity confusion: A feeling of uncertainty about who you are or what makes you ‘you’
Identity alteration: A noticeable change in your identity or personality that alters the way you behave in different situations (for example, behaving differently when with your family or your work colleagues)
We all experience occasional episodes of dissociation as a part of our everyday life, even severe episodes are a natural response to a traumatic event such as the death of a loved one. Dissociative disorders, however, happen when someone experiences continued and repeating dissociative episodes that cannot be explained away by, for instance, everyday forgetfulness or a period of illness.
What can be particularly difficult about dissociative disorders is that while the person experiencing them may be feeling frightened, alone or confused, outwardly they may appear to be functioning perfectly well.
Some potential effects of a dissociative disorder may include:
-Gaps in memory
-Distorted views of your body
-Forgetting appointments and/or personal information
-Feelings of being unreal
-Internal voices and dialogue
-A sense of detachment from your emotions
-Feeling as though there are different people Inside you
-Feeling that you don’t know who you are
-Feeling detached from the world
-Finding possessions that you cannot recall buying or being given
-Feeling like a stranger to yourself
-Acting like different people/child-like behaviour
If you feel that you may be affected by a dissociative disorder, you may want to discuss this with your counsellor. Counselling can be an effective way of re-establishing the connections between thoughts, feelings, memories and perceptions that you may have learnt to dissociate from as a way of surviving your abuse.
Over time, you will form an accepting, non-judgemental and clearly boundaried therapeutic relationship with your counsellor. This will allow you to safely reconnect to your experiences and regain a sense of empowerment and control.
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Sexual Abuse is a violation of power by someone with more power over a person who is vulnerable. This violation takes a sexual form and it involves a breach of trust, a breaking of boundaries and a profound violation of the survivor’s sense of self.
The most important thing to remember is that it is the ‘experience’ of the child and as a child, you are not able to consent in any way, shape or form.
Who is involved?
Sexual abuse happens in all social classes, and it can happen to boys and girls at any age.
It can happen once, a few times or go on for many years and most sexual abuse happens with someone the person knows well.
Victims can be abused by more than one person. The abuser may be a member of the family or someone in a position of trust. Abusers may be male or female and may offer rewards to the person they are abusing.
Areas of adult life commonly affected include:
-Emotions (depression, mood swings, anxiety and anger) and perceptions of self (guilt, shame, self-hate, unworthiness)
-Physical difficulties (bladder problems, irritable bowel syndrome)
-Sexual (frigidity, impotence, identity confusion, lack of, or excessive interest in sex)
-Relationships with others
-Learner roles (victim, martyr)
-Social difficulties (isolation, compulsive behaviour, phobias, anti-social behaviour, violence)
-Addictions (drugs, alcohol, work), eating disorders and self-harm
Areas of adult life commonly affected include
Survivors may also suffer from:
-Disassociation (daydreaming, going somewhere in their heads and spacing out).
-A sudden regression (childish behaviour eg tantrum, sulking).
-Disorganised thought processes (forgetting and confusion and sensory impairment (feelings do not match events eg. cold, distant, laughs when sad).
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Stop It Now! are a child protection charity, who campaign and raise awareness across the UK to help adults to do their part to stop child sexual abuse by addressing personal, family and community concerns.
They have a confidential helpline, live chat and secure messaging service available for anyone with concerns about child sexual abuse and its prevention – whether they’re worried about their own thoughts, feelings and behaviour, or about another adult or young person.
Their leaflets and resources can help you raise awareness of, and prevent, child sexual abuse and are free to download. They’re accessible, available in Welsh and several other languages.
You can download their leaflets here.
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Watch this video from ‘Operation Hydrant’ who, working with Police Scotland, have developed a short animated film aimed at providing supportive information to adult victims and survivors of child abuse who may be thinking of reporting to police and wondering what comes next.
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Click here to watch the “Introduction to Self Care Hug” video
Self-Care:
This is helpful for when we feel:
-stressed
-anxious
-when our defence barriers are up
-when we beat ourselves up
-withdrawn and isolate ourselves
-locked in cycles of repetitive thought about events in the recent or more distant past
With mindful self-compassion, this practice offers an antidote that will soothe, comfort and reassure, down-regulating the threat system and waking up the caregiving system, enabling a return to the present and to the ability to re-connect with our adult self and to connect with others.
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Click here to watch the ‘Self Care Hug’ guided exercise video
Self-Care:
This is helpful for when we feel:
-stressed
-anxious
-when our defence barriers are up
-when we beat ourselves up withdrawn and isolate ourselves
-locked in cycles of repetitive thought about events in the recent or more distant past
With mindful self-compassion, this practice offers an antidote that will soothe, comfort and reassure, down-regulating the threat system and waking up the caregiving system, enabling a return to the present and to the ability to re-connect with our adult self and to connect with others.
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Video: Three Things Exercise Introduction
Self-Care:
This is helpful for when we feel:
-stressed
-anxious
-when our defence barriers are up
-when we beat ourselves up
-withdrawn and isolate ourselves
-locked in cycles of repetitive thought about events in the recent or more distant past
With mindful self-compassion, this practice offers an antidote that will soothe, comfort and reassure, down-regulating the threat system and waking up the caregiving system, enabling a return to the present and to the ability to re-connect with our adult self and to connect with others.
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Click here to watch the ‘Three Things Guided Exercise’ video
Self-Care:
This is helpful for when we feel:
-stressed
-anxious
-when our defence barriers are up
-when we beat ourselves up
withdrawn and isolate ourselves
-locked in cycles of repetitive thought about events in the recent or more distant past
With mindful self-compassion, this practice offers an antidote that will soothe, comfort and reassure, down-regulating the threat system and waking up the caregiving system, enabling a return to the present and to the ability to re-connect with our adult self and to connect with others.
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In this 4 minute video, we explain what trauma is and how complex trauma is different from trauma.
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Here we look at what the effects of trauma and complex trauma on person which can help to normalise how affected people might feel.
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This is a simple exercise that will talk you through how to ground yourself in the present when you might be feeling distressed, panicked, floaty or agitated.
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This is a self-care exercise that will help you to recognise when you are feeling tense, stressed or anxious and show you a way of releasing the tension, helping you to feel more in control and grounded.
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Many parents and carers have feelings of shock, confusion, anger or fear after discovering that their child may have been sexually abused. You may also be experiencing strong feelings right now.
That's why we 've created a guide that gives you practical information about what will happen if your child is investigated for sexual abuse. It contains links to information on child support, the medical examination process, and prosecution, including where the police or Crown Prosecution Service decide not to proceed with a case.
Read the guide below or, or download the English child sexual abuse investigations leaflet (pdf) or the Welsh leaflet on child sexual abuse investigations (pdf).
It is important to recognise the impact of this situation on your child, on you and those around you. Take steps to look after yourself, find support for you and your family, and know that there is no right or wrong way to feel in this situation.
What should I do first?
How should I respond?
If your child has told you or someone else about their abuse, it is essential to listen to them and reassure them that they have done the right thing in talking about what has happened.
It is important that your child knows that what they have said is taken seriously and that they will be protected, and that what happened to them was not their fault.
If you are the first person they have told, you will need to share your concerns with the police, and explain to your child what will happen next and how they will be supported.
You can talk to someone
The confidential Stop It Now! works to prevent child sexual abuse and support people who want help to protect children. The experienced advisers will listen and offer confidential advice and support. When you call, you don't have to give your name or personal details if you don't want to.
This might be the right time for you to call the helpline and start talking about what help you need. If you're not ready to talk to someone, you can send them a secure message or use their live chat online.
Call 0808 1000 900 or visit their helpline page.
Things to remember
• Have open conversations – let your child know that you are there for them and that you will listen to them. You should have open conversations about their feelings and give them time and space to talk.
• Don't blame yourself or your child for what happened - it can be difficult for us as adults to understand how sexual abuse can happen without us knowing. But from the work we have done with children who have experienced sexual abuse, hearing adults who are close to them say 'I believe you' and 'you are not to blame for what has happened' can be useful and supportive of many children.
• Ask important questions to ensure your child's safety, but don't ask any leading questions. When your child talks about the abuse, you should understand that by sharing this with you, it helps them make more sense of it all. They will experience a range of feelings, some of which may be difficult to cope with.
• Know your own limits – recognize that it may be difficult to manage your own emotions at times. You will need support from others to help you process what has happened. It is normal to feel angry and upset, but try not to hide this from your child as they may think that you are angry with them for what has happened. You can contact the confidential Stop It Now! if you have others to talk to for support or not.
• Having said that – there will be a lot to remember, so make notes of things your child or professionals tell you as this can help you now and in the long term.
• You may also find it helps to write down any of your worries, as this can help you feel in control of what is happening.
• Help your child to be and feel safe. Whatever has happened before, your child must feel safe from harm now. And if you continue to worry that your child or other children may be at risk of abuse, you need to tell the police or local authority, even if this feels scary .
• Develop a family safety plan – it's normal to worry about possible further risks for your child. Making a family safety plan can help you take practical steps to keep your child safe.
About child sexual abuse
What is child sexual abuse?
Sexual abuse of children includes forcing or enticing a child to take part in sexual activities, whether the child is aware of what is happening or not. It can include physical contact or non-contact activities, such as involving children in viewing, or producing, pornographic material or watching sexual activities, or encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.
Find more information about child sexual abuse, visit the site: Parents Protect
How can sexual abuse affect my child?
Child sexual abuse affects different children in different ways. For some children, the effect is not immediately clear, while other children display a range of emotions and behaviours. Abuse can have lasting and damaging effects on some children, such as fear, distress, shame, self-blame, low self-esteem, anger or memory loss.
However your child reacts, it is important that they get help and support.
Children who experience abuse but are protected and supported by
protective parents and carers can recover, going on to live normal, happy and fulfilled lives.
Find more information about the effects of sexual abuse on the Parents Protect site.
Tell about the abuse and the next steps
Who can I tell about sexual abuse?
If you are concerned that a child is being abused or has been abused in the past, you should tell the police, or your local social services department as soon as possible. If you need support, you can speak to experienced advisers by contacting the confidential Stop It Now! helpline: 0808 1000 900.
How do I tell the police?
Saying that your child has been sexually abused can seem scary but your child's safety and needs are always a priority for the police. There is no time limit for reporting child sexual abuse to the police.
There are three main ways of telling about a crime:
• In an emergency, when a child is at risk of abuse or the abuse is currently taking place, you should call the police on 999.
• If your child has told you about sexual abuse, you should call the police on 101.
• You can also tell them online.
Your child can also contact the police themselves to report sexual abuse.
What happens next?
A police officer will meet you to take some details, and your child will be referred to officers who are specially trained to investigate sexual offences. Your child will be interviewed and asked to explain in his own words what has happened. The interview will be held in a private, comfortable and child-friendly place. Your child can take this at their own pace and their statement will be recorded in a child-friendly way to ensure it can be used as evidence in any future legal proceedings.
As a parent or carer you may wish to stay with your child during their interview, but you will be asked to go to another room where you may be able to observe. If you saw the abuse happening or you were the first person your child told, then you are not allowed to observe. This will be to ensure that any evidence from the interview can be used in any future legal proceedings.
A police officer will investigate your child's case and will keep in regular contact with you to keep you updated.
What if my child has additional learning needs?
If your child has additional learning needs then you may be worried about how they will cope or be looked after. The police have specially trained officers who can support your child through the process. This officer will ensure that your child is treated with sensitivity and understanding.
Will my child need a medical examination?
After the interview your child may be asked to agree to a medical examination. This is to help provide more evidence to the police. They are referred to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre, which has specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers, known as Independent Sexual Assault Counsellors, who can give your child medical and emotional support. There are two Sexual Assault Referral Centers in Wales with staff trained to work with children: one in Colwyn Bay and one in Cardiff. Ideally, any medical examination should be carried out as soon as possible, and specialist doctors will discuss when is the best time for yourchild to be examined.
•North Wales Violence and Sexual Abuse Support Centre
•Ynys Saff Sexual Assault Referral Centre
What does a medical examination mean?
Medical examinations are not always personal and a general examination can be useful in identifying other health needs your child may have that have not been detected before. Before your child is examined, there will be a discussion between the referrer (for example the police) and the medical team to inform them of the circumstances. After your child has been referred, you may be asked not to wash or change their clothes or not allow them to wash themselves.
This is because vital evidence could be lost and gathering evidence is important for the police investigation.
You may be accompanied by a police officer or social worker at the Sexual Assault Referral Centre, where your child will be seen by a pediatrician or forensic medical examiner, depending on their age. On arrival, specially trained staff will meet you and explain in detail what will happen. They will also explain the process to your child, using pictures if appropriate for your child's age. Your child will be assured that the examination is optional. They will be able to take several breaks as needed and be allowed to miss a step or stop the examination at any time they want. The examination can last up to two hours.
What happens after the inspection?
The results of the examination can take several weeks, and your child will be allocated independent sexual violence advisers who will support them and you through the process. Your child will usually be offered follow-up appointments at your local sexual health clinic or with a local paediatrician, and counseling services will also be available. The services between the two Sexual Assault Referral Centers may vary.
Will children's social services be involved?
When the police receive information about a case of child sexual abuse, they will contact children's social services to help keep your child as safe as possible. A social worker may visit you and your child to talk about what help they can give you. If your family is already involved with social services, then a social worker assigned to your child will be informed, and they will contact you to discuss what has happened.
If you are a foster carer, social services can call a strategy meeting to explore their response in terms of what information can be shared and what support the child and you may need
Contact your local social services through NHS Wales.
Investigation and prosecution
What happens during the police investigation?
The investigation could include interviewing your child, witnesses and the individual who allegedly committed the abuse. It may also include examining other materials, such as medical evidence or electronic devices. While the police carry out their investigation, the person who is alleged to have committed the abuse may be placed 'under investigation'. This means that they have been released from custody without charge and without bail conditions, and that the investigation continues.
The Code of Practice for Victims of Crime contains certain rights for your child, including information they and you are entitled to get from the police.
You should hear within one working day:
• After the suspect is arrested.
• If a warrant has been issued due to the suspect's non-appearance in court.
Within two days of reporting abuse:
• The police should pass on your child's details to Victim Support unless you ask them not to.
You should hear within five working days:
• If the offense is not investigated.
• If the suspect is given an out-of-court disposition, such as a warning or reprimand.
• If the suspect is interviewed under caution; released without charge or with bail conditions; or if the conditions of their bail have changed or are being changed in any way.
• Get written information about what to expect from the criminal justice system.
Find out more about what support is available on the Victim Support site or through the Government's Code of Practice .
After the police investigate the suspect, they will decide what happens next. The police can:
• Warn the suspect.
• Take no further action.
• Referring the case to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
What is the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS)?
The CPS is independent of the police. Their job is to ensure that the correct charges are brought against suspects, to prepare cases to be presented in court, and to provide advice and support to victims and witnesses.
When deciding whether to charge someone with offences, the CPS must be satisfied that there is enough evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction, and that prosecuting the case is in the public interest.
If the CPS decides to charge the suspect and the case proceeds to a court hearing, you and your child will be told the date, time and place. If you are concerned that you have not received this information you should contact the investigating officer.
In the time between the suspect being charged and their first appearance in court, they will be released on bail or held in custody, which means they will spend time in jail until their court date. This will be decided after considering the following:
• an assessment of the risk the suspect may pose to your child, the public and any vwitnesses
• previous offenses the person may have committed
• the suspect's previous compliance with bail conditions
• how likely it is that the suspect will fail to attend his court appearance.
If the suspect is granted bail there may be conditions imposed on them and they will have to abide by them. These could include ensuring that they do not contact you or your child directly or through other people.
You can find out more about the Code of Practice for Crown Prosecutors on their site.
What will happen in court?
Some offenses can be dealt with in the Youth Court or Magistrates Court. Magistrates are trained volunteers who hear cases in courts in their community. They can impose a range of sentences, but if they believe they do not have the right sentencing powers, they could refer the defendant to the Crown Court where a custodial sentence could be given.
The Crown Court deals with the most serious crimes. These courts are presided over by judges who are fully trained in the law.
• If a defendant pleads not guilty in the Crown Court, the case will be heard before a jury. If a defendant is found guilty, the judge will decide the sentence they receive.
• If a defendant pleads guilty, they will be sentenced either on that date or at a later date.
If your child needs to give evidence, they are entitled to special support. These measures are put in place to help vulnerable witnesses give their best evidence in court, and to try to reduce some of the stress on them. These measures could include court staff removing their hair extensions and clothing to make them less threatening to children; using screens in the courtroom or video links; or give pre-recorded video evidence.
They may also be offered a visit before the hearing so that they get used to the look and feel of the court. There are also powers to provide lifelong anonymity for witnesses and victims under 18 at the time of court appearance.
Hearings relating to sexual offenses against children may be held in private or without the press or the public present, where the court believes this is necessary to provide the best evidence. However, there is no automatic right to a closed hearing and decisions on this will be made on an individual basis.
Find more information about witness and victim support on the Crown Prosecution Service website.
What does 'sentencing' mean?
After a defendant has been convicted of an offense in court by pleading guilty or after being found guilty following a hearing, the magistrate or judge will consider what sentence to give, based on specific guidelines.
Find out more about sentencing guidelines via the Sentencing Council website
Sentences could include the defendant:
• Being sent to prison.
• Receiving a suspended prison sentence.
• Receiving a community sentence, such as rehabilitation, community service or carrying out certain activities.
• Being prevented from visiting certain areas or contacting with specific people.
If the defendant receives a prison sentence of more than 12 months, you and your child should be offered contact through the Probation Victim Contact Scheme. They will update you and give you an opportunity to express your views on any victim-related conditions that could be placed on the defendant after his release from prison.
All defendants who plead guilty or are found guilty of a sexual offense against a child, including those who receive a caution from the police or receive any court sentence, will be placed on the sex offenders register. The length of time on the register will be determined by their sentence.
Why was there no prosecution?
The CPS may decide not to charge the suspect, or not to proceed with a case, if they believe there is insufficient evidence. Victims have the right to request a review of this decision under th Victim's Right to Review scheme.
Find out more about the Victim's Right to Review scheme on the Victim Support page.
Help and Support
The confidential Stop It Now! supports anyone with a concern about preventing child sexual abuse. Their experienced advisers will listen and help you work out the best steps for you and your child to take. If you're not ready to talk to someone, you can use their live chat and secure message service. Call 0808 1000 900 or visit our helpline page.
Their Parents Protect website has advice and information to help parents and carers keep children safe, including information on family safety plans and how to support children who disclose abuse.
NSPCC Wales offers support to children who have been, or are at risk of, sexual abuse and curmudgeon. They have centers in Swansea, Cardiff and Prestatyn.
Find out more about the children's services and the NSPCC service centres.
Victim Support helps victims of crime - the police should refer you to their services when you tell them about abuse, but you can also refer yourself to them. Their specially trained volunteers can also support parents and carers so you can help your child through the criminal justice process.
Parents Against Child Exploitation (PACE) works with parents and carers of children who are, or are at risk of being sexually exploited. You can call them for help and confidential advice on 0113 240 5226 or use their contact form on their website
The Citizens Advice Bureau can offer advice and support on a range of issues. You can find out more about their services by visiting their website.
North Wales Victim Support Centre: 0300 30 30 159
South Wales Victim Focus: 0300 303 0161
Contact Gwent: 0300 123 2133
Dyfed-Powys Citizens Advice Witness Service: 0300 3321 000
Contact Victim's Right to a Review using Victims' Contact [email protected]
Or you can call the Victim's Right to Review team on 02920 803966
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