Ask Sam ...
The volunteers at Victim Supportline talk to lots of people who need support or information after being affected by crime. They usually talk to people on the 'phone, but they can also answer emails.
Sam is a volunteer with Victim Support. Here are some examples of the sorts of worries that young people have about crime and some things they have talked to Sam about. All names and details have been changed.
"My mum and dad have been arguing a lot lately and I heard my mum scream and everything that was on the cooker was on the floor and my mum now has a very big burn on her arm. She will not go to the doctor and have it checked out and she won't talk to me about it. Please help, what should I do?" (Age 13)
"People are saying that a boy I don't get along with too well is going to start on me on Friday night when I'm out with my friend. I don't know whether to go out and try and talk and take what is given, or to tell someone about my situation. What should I do?" (Age 17)
"I turned on my 'phone this morning and had a message from this number slating me and saying I had better watch my back. Since then I've been getting loads more messages like it. I'm starting to feel really scared by it. My friend said I should just delete and ignore them. Should I take her advice?" (Age 14)
"The other day when my mum and me came home we found the back door broken and the house was a big mess inside. Our house had been burgled and loads of stuff taken. They took our TV and my Playstation and all my Playstation games. I had to go round to my nan's while my mum called the police. When I got back the door had been fixed but ever since I have been feeling really scared about being at home, and I can't sleep very well at night. I'm scared they're going to come back. How can I feel better? (Age 10)
If you've been a victim of a crime or know someone who has and are worried about these sorts of things, you can talk to someone like Sam from the Supportline. Please call or email us. You can email us on supportline@victimsupport.org.uk - we will send you an email back. We try to answer all emails in four working days. If you'd like to talk to someone straight away, please phone us on 0845 30 30 900.
All emails and replies will be kept private and will not be posted on this site.
