The impact of crime on children and young people – can you assist?

As a former police officer, I saw only too frequently the immediate and long term #harm that the impact of a serious crime can have on children and young people. This is not always direct harm but can often be indirect when members of their families are victims of crime.

The current pandemic has brought with it a surge in the number of children and young people who have become victims of crime. This ranges from domestic #abuse to sexual assault and knife crime all of which have the ability to impact on their lives for many months or years to come unless they receive the appropriate support.

By way of example, recent Home Office data revealed that there were 17,699 online child sex offences were recorded by police in England and Wales between April and September 2020.

This was a 17% increase on the previous year.

I am privileged to be a Trustee of #Embrace Child Victims of Crime, a charity Chaired by Sir Paul Stephenson QPM former Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, and dedicated to providing counselling and support to children, young people and their families impacted by serious crime.

The charity offers a wide range of therapeutic services and practical support to children and young people harmed by serious crime. We help them rebuild their lives following terrible trauma caused by crimes including domestic violence, sexual and physical abuse, and neglect.

As with all charities, we are heavily reliant on the support we receive from our supporters and fundraisers and I am delighted that two of my sons, Dan and Mark, who have followed my footsteps into policing by becoming officers in the Royal Military Police, have taken it upon themselves to run a Royal Parks Half Virtual Marathon in April this year to raise much need funds for the charity.

If you could possibly support them in this important endeavour we would be extremely grateful and their donation page can be found at https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Team/youthvsexperience

If you would like to find out more about the work of Embrace please do not hesitate to contact me or visit the website at embracecvoc.org.uk