About the Young Victims Service

a multicoloured map of different areas of North Somerset to show where the Young Victims Service works

The Young Victims Service (YVS) provides help and support to young people (aged five to 18) who have been victims of crime, anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse. If you have additional needs, we can also provide support up to the age of 25.

We work across the whole Avon and Somerset Constabulary area.

YVS is funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Home Office.

We are also managed by The North Somerset Youth Offending Service. We have been supporting children and young people affected by crime and anti-social behaviour since 2015, and those affected by domestic abuse since 2018.

Green speech bubble with blue outline and text that reads 'my advocate helped by teaching me different strategies to deal with my anger and anxiety, she has always been there to help and to support me through court'

What we cover

During 2020, YVS supported 1361 children and young people who had been affected by a range of issues. This includes but is not limited to:

  • physical assault
  • threats
  • bullying
  • harassment
  • burglary
  • criminal damage
  • anti-social behaviour
  • cyber-bullying
  • technology assisted child sexual abuse (on-line grooming)
  • Child Sexual Exploitation
  • Child Criminal Exploitation
  • domestic abuse (in family or own relationship)
  • harmful sexual behaviour by another young person or child
  • stalking
  • revenge porn
  • abduction and false imprisonment
  • witness to murder or attempted murder

A flowchart with a central circle surrounding by other circles indicating the various areas of support offered by the Young Victims Service

What we do

YVS will work alongside children and their families through criminal justice processes. Where there is no criminal investigation, we will provide support to process and begin a journey of recovery. 

We use a trauma informed approach to supporting children and young people, offering bespoke, individual support plans completed in collaboration with children and their families.

We work in partnership with schools and other agencies in the best interest of the child, ensuring the child’s voice remains at the centre of any decision making that affects them.