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Objectives Objectives: To describe (1) the characteristics of a cohort referred into a novel, community-based, multi-disciplinary service supporting survivors of sexual harm, (2) the demand for different aspects of support, and (3) the challenges observed in implementing the service Methods Methods: Cohort: Children and young people (CYP) from six south-west London boroughs, aged 4–18 years inclusive, with a history of sexual harm. Demographic and psychosocial data were collected for referrals from 01 April to 30 September 2023. Support options included (1) needs assessment and brief intervention/early emotional support, (2) specialist therapeutic support, (3) holistic medical assessment, (4) independent sexual violence advocate (ISVA) support through the criminal justice process, and (5) access to investigative interviewing. Support is delivered in schools and community settings via an NHS-third sector collaboration. Results Results: 96 CYP were referred for one or more type of support in the first 6 months: age range 4–18 (median 15) years; 94% female; 60% white ethnicity. 80/96 presented with additional needs: 15% learning disability, 26% neurodiversity, 79% mental health needs, 4% physical disability. 10% were not in school. 1 in 5 had experienced intimate partner violence, 40%, child abuse or neglect, and there were child sexual exploitation concerns in 18%. 35 CYP were referred for early emotional support, 71 for specialist therapy and 33 for an ISVA. 16 had had a forensic medical examination or had a holistic medical assessment. The complexity of referrals has been notable, highlighting the need for a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency approach with clear definitions around roles and responsibilities, particularly at the interface between Tier 2 and Tier 3 mental health support. School-based work has illustrated the central role that schools play in the experience of CYP following sexual harm – negative or positive – and the support/training needs of staff. Experience of the criminal justice process is frustrating or distressing for many and further impacts emotional wellbeing. Conclusion Most CYP who have experienced sexual harm present with additional needs. Mental health needs predominate, underlining the need for effective short- and long-term emotional support. School-based support, and support with the criminal justice process may further improve outcomes in wellbeing. Future analyses will examine the impact of the interventions offered through this project on outcomes for affected CYP.
Khadr et al. (Tue,) studied this question.