Supporting carers of sexually abused children

Finding out your child has been sexually abused is devastating enough, but on top of the emotional shock parents and carers may find themselves having to cope with all the legal implications this brings.

Derbyshire CPS has been involved in a project that provides parents and carers of sexually abused children with information to help support them through this traumatic period of their lives.

CPS staff at the launch of the Carers' Project The Carers' Project was set up by the NSPCC in January 2005 after parents in this situation highlighted the lack of information available and said they had problems knowing who to turn to for help.

Derbyshire CPS joined a working group, which was formed with representatives from other local agencies, including Derbyshire Rape Crisis, Victim Support Derbyshire, East Derbyshire Domestic Violence Forum and the Edge Project (which prevents the sexual exploitation of young people).

Also part of the group were parents who had first hand experience of the impact of sexual abuse. They were able to provide a very personal insight into what support parents and carers of sexually abused children might need in the months following the reporting of an incident involving their child.

Together the group compiled:

Information packs for parents and carers, available for reference in key locations across the county, which contain information on locally available support services. The packs guide the victims carer through what to expect at each stage of the criminal justice system and are split into three categories: pre court, at court and post court.
A leaflet entitled 'How to cope when your child has been sexually abused', which includes a wealth of information on what to expect following a report of sexual abuse, ranging from coping with feelings to practical advice. This leaflet can be obtained free from the NSPCC on 01773 744877.

Derbyshire CPS worked with the University of Derby to produce a DVD in which two mothers describe the impact on their lives of finding out that their children had been sexually abused. The DVD was financed by the Derbyshire Criminal Justice Board and is intended as a training tool to help increase professionals' awareness of carers' needs when in this situation.

The initiative was launched at a lunchtime conference on 24 April 2006 at Ilkeston Community Hospital for professionals involved in supporting vulnerable children and their families in Derby and Derbyshire.

For further information on this multi-agency initiative known as the Carers Project please contact the groups Chair, Janet Foulds, on 01332 717575 or Sue Allanson (NSPCC) on 01773 744877.