What sort of help might this person have been given?

[wotaloadashite]

My DS has a friend who was a victim of grooming and SA by an authority figure at 14 years old. They are now both 18. The perpetrator of the assault is in prison and the friend helped put him there with her evidence.

Would this girl have been given any help and support with her experience and as a victim of such a horrendous crime? Would she have had counselling or similar as a matter of course? Is it likely that she might still be accessing or have the option to access any ongoing support from the police or victim support?

She is exhibiting some difficult habits and behaviours and my DS is trying to help her but I was wondering if there is likely to be any formal help still available to her.

I used to run a sexual assault counselling service, it was for 16+ but some see younger.

there is a website called the survivor pathway

www.survivorpathway.org.uk/

for my area the south west, there may be equivalents where you are? Google your town and SARC

Thank you. I'll look at this.

Would be interested to hear other's point of view on this too, if possible, please.

When did the legal cases conclude?

In some situations there’s a recommendation that counselling etc is postponed until after the court cases are finished otherwise it can be argued that the testimony has been influenced.

Given the time periods you’ve mentioned, it may well be that didn’t get any / hasn’t had anything much.

The ages also ring alarm bells for falling through gaps in services. Child at the time, technically an adult now so out of CAMHS remit etc.

Most support also relies on the survivor (as their guardian) proactively seeking it and engaging it. It’s not ‘pushed’ onto them as part of the proceedings. So if weren’t keen at point it was offered may well not be much , if any follow up.

There should however be things that can be accessed if they wish, and given the age and relevant recency once get the right ‘in’ then should be pretty well supported

They may have been offered an ISVA, potentially pre-trial therapy, to support them through the criminal justice process. They should still be able to access some support even post court but it may vary from area to area. Googling Victim support or sexual assault / rape services in your area may be a place to start to find out what's available.

Thank you. That's really helpful. Trail finished in early 2023 / late 2022 I think so they would have been a child technically then. My instinct is that they have not had very much / any help which makes me feel sad for them.