How have help and support services improved
Since August 2014 we have invested significantly in support services for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse, alongside Government and partners, and as well as investing in our children’s services more widely.
An immediate package of support was put in place by the Council and other local agencies. This included funding to bolster the capacity of local support groups to help more women and their families (e.g. counselling services) and money to support community-based projects which reach out to help children and young people who may be at risk of abuse.
These were put in place in the short-term while we carried out research to understand what services are needed in the longer-term. These long-term services have been running since April 2016 - giving help to victims and survivors, providing practical, emotional support along with family therapy and counselling.