Victims of crimes committed by children

We will support you if you are a victim of crime committed by a child. The crime must have taken place in Kent, or the young person who committed the crime must live in Kent.

We have a Victim Voice Lead to support those affected by a crime. It is a voluntary service and you can decide if you want to receive our support or not.

Our aim is to give you the opportunity to share your thoughts, wishes and feelings, as well as the impact the crime had on your life. This is to make sure your point of view is considered during the interventions with children.

It can have a profound impact on a child’s behaviour to understand what affect their crime has had on others. It can also help people who have been affected by crime to feel safer, and not worry so much that the incident might happen again.

Your rights as a victim of a crime

  • To be informed if the person who offended against you is prosecuted or given an out of court disposal

  • To be informed of the outcome of any court hearings

  • To be informed of any appeal against conviction or sentence

  • To receive information about restorative justice and how to take part

  • To receive a service from us, the Youth Justice Service

  • To be offered information about other support services and referrals

  • To make a complaint if you do not receive the information and services you are entitled to

Restorative justice

Restorative justice is the process of bringing together everyone who has been affected by crime to have their voices heard and find a positive way to move forward.

We will put forward your views about how the child could make amends for their offending. We cannot make any promises they will be able to engage with any of the options, but we want to give you the opportunity to share what you feel the child can do. You can read more about restorative justice and reparation.

If you want to take part or just get more information, we can help. All contact is confidential, the decision to take part in a restorative process is yours and you can change your mind at any time.

Contact us

If you have been a victim of crime (in Kent, or by a Kent child) or are a family member or close friend of someone who has, you can find out about the support available. Email YJvictimvoice@kent.gov.uk.

Support services for victims

As well as support from us, there are many other organisations that offer support if you have been a victim of crime.

  • Rubicon Cares - a counselling service for people affected by crime.
  • Victim Support - emotional and practical support for victims of crime.

  • Karma Nirvana - support charity for victims of honour-based violence.
  • The Halo Project - national project that supports victims of honour-based violence, forced marriages, and female genital mutilation (FGM) through support and protection.

  • Family Matters - a charity that supports child and adult survivors of sexual abuse and rape.
  • The Survivors Trust - support for adult victims who experienced sexual abuse as a child.
  • Mosac - support services in a safe non-judgemental environment for non-abusing parents and carers whose children have been sexually abused.

  • Suzy Lamplugh Trust - an advice line for people who suspect they are being intimidated, harassed, or stalked or who are victims of intimidation, harassment, and stalking.
  • Protection Against Stalking - support victims of stalking and harassment, through provision of information, advice, risk identification and safety planning.