If you are the victim of a crime carried out by a child, this page will tell you about the information, support and services that we can offer to you
North Yorkshire Youth Justice Service helps children who have broken the law understand the impact of their actions. They also encourage them to take responsibility for what they did and make amends to victims and the community.
If you have agreed for the police to share your details with us, a Victim Liaison Officer will contact you. Your involvement is voluntary, but we can offer you the opportunity to:
receive information about the outcome of the case
share your views and ask questions such as “why did it happen to me?”
tell the child how their crime affected you
suggest ideas for reparation work the child could do
What you can expect from us
We will:
listen to you and keep you informed about the case
treat you with respect and support any decision you make
refer you to other support services if you want
make sure your views are considered
arrange for restorative justice if appropriate
provide safeguarding support where necessary
follow the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime
Your options
You can choose whether to be involved and you can change your mind at any time. We can provide updates about the case and explain any relevant court orders or Youth Outcome Panel decisions.
Restorative Justice and Reparation
Our goal is to reduce crime by helping children understand the harm they have caused and encouraging them to make amends.
Reparation gives children a chance to put things right, either directly with their victim or through the community. Examples include:
writing a letter of apology
repairing damage
helping in a community garden
supporting a local project
Restorative Justice offers victims the opportunity to meet the child who committed the offence, ask questions and explain the personal impact of the crime. Participation is voluntary for everyone involved and full support is provided throughout.
Restorative Justice often helps victims gain closure and a sense of peace. Research shows that 85% of victims who take part are satisfied with the process and it leads to a 14% reduction in reoffending.
Supporting Victims North Yorkshire can be contacted on 01609 643 100 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. They are here to help anyone affected by crime, not only those who experience it directly, but also their friends, family and any other people involved. Outside of these hours, you can get support from the National Victim Support line on 0808 16 89 111.
If you are a victim or witness in a forthcoming court case, useful information is available from the Supporting Victims North Yorkshire website.
The police officer dealing with your case should be able to advise you on how to apply.
Age UK
Age UK Advice Line is a free, confidential national telephone service for older people, as well as their families, friends, carers and professionals. 0800 678 1602 it’s free to call 8am to 7pm, 365 days a year.
Child exploitation
St Giles runs a range of services designed to help young people involved in or at risk of child criminal exploitation, including county lines. To find out what support might be available to you, email us at info@stgilestrust.org.uk.
Disability
For advice and support on key disability issues contact Scarborough DAG. Call 01723 480029 between 10am and 4pm or if you can’t get through call 07592 382361 between these times. Alternatively email scarboroughdagoffice@gmail.com.
Disability Action Yorkshire
Disability services and support organisation in Harrogate: 34 Claro Road, Harrogate HG1 4AU.
IDAS is the largest specialist charity in the North supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence. Call 03000 110 110 7 days a week.
Hate crime
If you have been affected by hate, you can access support for the type of abuse you have suffered. If you do not feel comfortable speaking to the police, you can report a hate crime anonymously and in confidence 24/7 to independent charity Stop Hate UK. Telephone number: 0800 138 1625.
Support for victims of culturally specific abuse and harmful practices, including ‘honour’-based abuse, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.
Karma Nirvana – 0800 5999 24/7 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Murder or manslaughter
SAMM provides a wide range of support services to people bereaved by murder and manslaughter. There is no time limit on becoming a member. Our services are open to everyone regardless of how long ago they were bereaved. Call 0121 472 2912 Text 07342 888570.
Rape and sexual assault
Dedicated aftercare support service for anyone affected by sexual violence at any time in their lives. Acer House Sexual Assault Referral Centre: 0330 223 0099 (24 hours a day, open all year round) to discuss services and referrals and to make an appointment. You can also email at acer.house@nhs.net (monitored 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Sexual health
Yorsexualhealth, for support and advice on pregnancy, sexual health and contraception and to speak about symptoms or to book an appointment call on 01904 721111 or if you are 17 or under, text on 0797 377 5692, Monday to Thursday 8:15am until 5pm, Friday 8:15am until 3:30pm.
Vision support nationally RNIB
RNIB, living with sight loss
Harrogate Area: Vision Support Centre, Russell Sergeant House, 23 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5LF.
