Supporting a child

It can be hard for parents and carers to understand or know how to respond to the strong feelings and traumatic responses that young people affected by gender-based violence (GBV) may have, or to know how to help. They may also feel all kinds of emotions of their own – shock, fear, anger, and distress. 

Parents and carers of children who have experienced GBV may also have to make decisions with their child about happens next: whether to speak to their school or any other services involved, whether to make a report to the police, and finding the right kind of support for their child. It’s important that children are involved as far as possible in decisions that affect them, appropriate to their age, stage and understanding of the situation.

This leaflet offers information for parents and carers supporting a child affected by sexual violence. It gives information about sexual violence, how it might affect your child and how you can support them while looking after yourself too. Parents and carers can also contact many of the services listed here for support for themselves or their children.

You can also hear from parents Liz and Phil Smith speaking about their journey after their daughter Charlotte was raped, what they learned, and how they wanted to help other families in a similar situation.