SAFE! supports children and young people (aged 5-18yrs) and their families who have been victims of crime and abuse in the Thames Valley. Over 50% of those we support are victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence.

Experiences of crime and abuse can have a massive impact on their mental health and lead to low confidence and self-esteem, anxiety, breakdown in relationships and friendships, isolation, non-school attendance and self-harm. These experiences can be especially devastating for children and young adults, who may struggle to cope and recover without appropriate support. Through our services we offer a range of support from advocacy in the criminal justice system, practical and emotional support, and therapeutic counselling, all designed to help children move on from their experience of crime or abuse to recover and heal.

Our vision is for all children and young people to feel safe, thrive, and achieve their potential.

SAFE! helps young people develop tools to allow them to feel safe in their key environments including their home, neighbourhood & school. By developing coping strategies for when they feel unsafe and recognising & developing their support networks, these young people are less likely to go onto criminal behaviour later on. We work to achieve an improvement within the young people in the following areas: safety, anger/ upset about the incident, confidence, happiness & knowing how to access support.

Our Building Respectful Families Service supports families experiencing Child & Adolescent to Parent Violence and Abuse (CAPVA). We help families address challenges, break harmful behaviour patterns, and build stronger relationships. CAPVA is a form of hidden harm, significantly underreported, with profound impacts on families.