Crimes against Children

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No child is too young to feel shock, fear and distress following a crime.  Like adults, they commonly experience

  • fear

  • worry

  • guilt

  • anger

  • withdrawal

  • anxiety

  • desire for revenge

Some children may also experience physical symptoms, such as

  • Headaches

  • Stomach Pains

  • Nausea/Sickness

  • General Aches and Pains

  • Sleep disturbance (unable to sleep, bad dreams, fear of the dark, fear of sleeping alone)

Even adults can find it difficult to understand what has happened and why they feel the way they do.  This is even more true for children, especially when they are young.  

A child may feel the crime was justified because of something they did themselves.  They may even try to hide the crime from you if they think they will get into worse trouble by telling you.  They need to be reassured that, even where they may have done something wrong themselves, the crime was not their fault.

If bullying is occurring, it should be taken seriously.  When committed by an adult, intimidation, assault, extortion and theft are all criminal offences.  The impact on children of being victim to such acts can be devastating.  Click here for links to organisations specialising in bullying.

Parents and carers are in the best position to know what their child's needs are and to sense changes in their child's behaviour that could be symptomatic of their distress.  With love and support, most families are able to overcome any hurtful experience, but the following points may be useful in thinking about how to help your child:

  • Encourage a return to previous routines in stages.  This can help a child overcome any fears slowly, step by step

  • Talking about the crime will help.  While it may feel like talking to your child about the crime is making things worse, keeping quiet may make them wonder why nothing is being said and could increase confusion or fear about what has happened.  Avoiding the problem could allow fears to build up over time

  • Allow children to say how they feel and let them know you are listening.  Provide as much information as you can and give truthful answers to their questions.  If your child wants to talk about what has happened, let them

  • Having said that children often find it difficult to put what has happened into words.  They may find it easier to draw pictures, write stories or enact events with toys.  This is a normal and helpful way for children to explore their feelings, and should be encouraged

  • Allow plenty of time for children to come to terms with their feelings.  Give clear, positive and consistent reassurance to help provide your child with the confidence to overcome a troubling situation

  • Ask your child what can be done to make them feel safer.  Perhaps they will suggest something you had not thought of

  • Seek advice from your GP or health visitor if anxieties or physical symptoms persist