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Somerset Phoenix Project

A specialist service supporting children, young people and their families who have experienced childhood sexual abuse.

We also support the professional development of the workforce across Somerset through consultation & training.

Our goal is to empower others to join us in mitigating the negative impact of child sexual abuse on the lives of children and families living in Somerset, so they can rebuild & thrive.

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Children going through the legal process


Supporting Childen & Young People During a Police Investigation or Trial Process

The advice often given to parents & carers is not to talk to their child about the evidence or what happened to them. They are allowed, however, to talk to their child about the court process: who’s who, the building, facts about the process, possible outcomes etc. If the child talks to them, they are advised to not guide, question, lead or get them to re-tell it again. They are advised to just listen.

As a professional you may be supporting a child or young person who has made a disclosure that is currently being investigated or is going to trial. If you are supporting a child, the same rules apply to you as to parents.

 

If a child or young person does tell you about something related to the sexual abuse:

 

DO:

  • Listen
  • Be supportive
  • Be empathic

 

 


DO NOT:

  • Question them
  • Lead them
  • Ask for details

 

Ask them if they have told anyone else or if they have told the police. If they haven’t, listen very carefully and note down the FACTS only. If you are able, note down their exact words.

Write up your notes clearly and precisely – facts only – as soon after the session as possible, while it is still fresh in your mind. Remember your notes could be called as evidence or you could be called as a witness.

Inform your safeguarding lead as soon as possible and if necessary contact the police to inform them of what has been said to you.

LISTEN – RECORD - REPORT

 

Guide for Parents

  

 

Guide for 5 to 11 year olds

 

Guide for 12 to 17 year olds

Barnardo's is a charity (216250 / SC037605) and a company limited by guarantee.
(61625 England - see the governing document). Registered office: Tanners Lane, Barkingside, Ilford, Essex IG6 1QG | VAT number 507477337