Parents and Carers
PARENTS AND CARERS OF YOUNG VICTIMS OF YOUTH CRIME
The public perception of young people is that many of them commit crimes, however the actual facts are:
  • Less than 1.5% of young people in Scotland commit crime.
However,
  • 50% of young people in Scotland are victims of crime each year. Sadly, most young people do not report the crime to anyone! They suffer in silence.
Young people experience all the crimes adults do - for example, robbery, assault, theft, bullying, vandalism and more. How you and other adults respond can make a big difference in how your child copes with what has happened.
This website is designed so that young people can work their way through it, gaining information and support as they go.
It is separated into three sections:
under8's 8 to 12's over12's
Under 8’s 8's to 12's 12+
(we recommend you work through these pages with under 8’s)
SUPPORTING A YOUNG PERSON AFFECTED BY CRIME
Support from friends and family is essential for young victims of crime. However, it can be difficult to know how to help.
Here are some tips to help while you work through this site:
  • Remain calm in front of your child; they will be aware of how you react
  • Validate what happened to them
  • Let them know that you are worried, and that you are there for them
  • Try not to rush in with your comments or thoughts, give them time and listen to them
  • Accept that your child may be acting differently to usual
  • Keep reminding them it was not their fault
  • Remind them why you like and value them
  • Explore what will happen with each choice they make and make decisions together
  • Use the agencies suggested; they have experience in helping people through these situations
  • Some other tips are available on the website: www.victimsupportsco.demon.co.uk in the ‘information leaflets’ section.
FURTHER HELP AND SUPPORT
For information about other agencies that can offer further support and assistance please visit the section entitled, ‘where to get help’, where you will find details of services available.
You and your child can visit this site freely and confidentially as often as you wish. The information contained within each section is specifically designed to suit the developmental ages of the young people who may be using it. This information is also available for adults and young people in the form of leaflets which can be downloaded in pdf format by clicking the buttons below. They are also obtainable on the main VSS website in the support for victims of youth crime section.
Supporting Young Victims of Crime Supporting Young Victims of Crime - A leaflet to assist carers with the aftermath of crime on children and young people.
A Victim’s Guide to the Children’s Hearings System Victims of Youth Crime: A Victim’s Guide to the Children’s Hearings System
Do you want to know…what happens when a young person breaks the law? Information for young victims of crime (under 8’s) Do you want to know…what happens when a young person breaks the law? Information for young victims of crime (under 8’s)
Do you want to know? About Children’s Hearings (8-12) Do you want to know? About Children’s Hearings (8-12)
Crime And You: The Facts (8-12) Crime and You: The Facts (8-12)
Do you want to know…about Children’s Hearings? (12-16) Do you want to know…about Children’s Hearings? (12-16)
Crime and You: The Facts (12-16) Crime and You: The Facts (12-16)
You will need Acrobat Reader to view these leaflets. Click here to download.
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site designed by Enigma Interactive Crime and You, Help for young people in Scotland who have been affected by youth crime.
© Victim Support Scotland 2007 Company number 110185 Scottish Charity Number SCO02138
Patron Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal

Victim Support Scotland, 15/23 Hardwell Close, Edinburgh, EH8 9RX. Tel: 0131 668 4486, Fax: 0131 662 5400
Email: info@victimsupportsco.demon.co.uk