Supporting Young Victims The SAFE! Model Chloe Purcell Director Innovation in Supporting Victims Conference - 15 July 2015

What is SAFE!?  Providing practical support to 8 to 25 year olds to help them cope with the impact of an experience of victimisation  Supporting young people to feel safer, happier and more confident  Helping provide ways forward and encourage a return to engaging in a happy and fulfilling early life Innovation in Supporting Victims Conference - 15 July 2015

Where did SAFE! start?  Origins in Oxfordshire Youth Offending Service  Home Office Pilot  Multi-agency consortium  Registered charity from 2011  Independent office since November 2014 Innovation in Supporting Victims Conference - 15 July 2015

Why young victims?  Young people are at highest risk of becoming young victims  Resilience is not yet developed  Impact on education and development  Risk of offending Innovation in Supporting Victims Conference - 15 July 2015

The SAFE! Approach  Child-centred  Home-based  Six to twelve sessions  Led by experienced professionals Innovation in Supporting Victims Conference - 15 July 2015

Protective Behaviours  “We all have the right to feel safe”  “There is nothing so awful or small that we can’t talk about it with someone”  Teaches the ability to recognise when we feel safe and unsafe  Provides skills and tools to enable individuals to take action and get help when it is needed Innovation in Supporting Victims Conference - 15 July 2015

Restorative Approaches  Unique perspectives  Thoughts and Feelings  Harm and Affect  Underlying needs  Ownership of solutions Innovation in Supporting Victims Conference - 15 July 2015

A flexible-approach to address individual need Anger issues Healthy relationships Self-esteem issues Online safety Advocacy through CJS Body image Positive activities Domestic Abuse awareness Sleep hygiene Creative activities Signposting to other services Parent support

Innovation in Supporting Victims Conference - 15 July 2015

Adapting to the needs of young people  A change in demographics of referrals  Last year sexual violence accounted for 40% of referrals  Big increase in support for children affected by domestic violence  Development of Protective Behaviours exercises  Adapting our level of support Innovation in Supporting Victims Conference - 15 July 2015

How do service users say we have helped?  “I’ve found the whole thing really helpful. I felt it was my choice to participate, and I liked someone coming to see me at home”. 14 year old girl, victim of sexual assault.  “The sessions have been helpful. Helped with safety - keeping safe when out and use of safety word. It helped to give me ways to stop the same thing happening again” 11 year old boy, victim of sexual assault  “I feel a lot more confident. I wouldn't be as far as I am today without SAFE's help” 15 year old girl, victim of abusive relationship and sexual assault  “I like the idea of 'being a swan' and looking like my head held high when I go out anywhere. I know not to worry so much and stay positive” 17 year old male victim of physical assault  “We have both really benefitted from this. I loved the informal structure. I would have liked more than 12 sessions” Mother of 14 year old girl, victim of sexual assault Innovation in Supporting Victims Conference - 15 July 2015

What now for SAFE!?  Contract for services for young victims across the Thames Valley  Working with Victim Support and Thames Valley Partnership  Recruiting team for local SAFE! hubs  An enhanced service for priority victims and expertise in support for sexual violence and domestic abuse  Development of online services Innovation in Supporting Victims Conference - 15 July 2015

The experience of one young person supported by SAFE!... Innovation in Supporting Victims Conference - 15 July 2015