12 &
Under
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Reporting
It is up to you and your parents or guardians to decide if you want to tell the police about what happened to you. Victim Support Isle of Man can help you even if you do not report the crime to the police. If you do decide to report the crime, we can help you do this.
If you report a crime, you may be asked to make a statement to the police. This is called an Achieving Best Evidence interview (ABE). This is where you get the chance to tell them what happened, in your own words. You can also tell them what you know about the person who did it to you. An adult you trust should be able to stay with you while you do this. It is important that you tell the police as many details as you can remember. If you don’t know something, or if you can’t remember, that’s OK.
This interview is designed to allow you to tell them about your experience in your own words, without any pressure. If you need a break at any time, you can have one.
After giving a statement, you will be given a special number called a crime number. You can use this to check the progress of your case. The police will tell you if there is to be an investigation, whether they have caught the person who committed the crime, and whether there will be a court case.
If the case goes to court, Witness Service can support you.
In danger? Call 999
If the crime is ongoing, or you are in immediate danger, please call 999
For non-emergency call 631212
You can report a crime to the police on the non-emergency number 631212
Speak up, speak to a trusted adult
If you have a problem you can’t fix on your own, it’s a good idea to speak to an adult you trust.
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Consent
If you are 12 years old or under, we can ONLY support you with your parent or guardian’s permission. This means that they will be with you when you are talking to our staff and volunteers, unless they allow you meet with us alone or with another trusted adult. However, we are here to support YOU. We will listen to what you have to say as we know this is very important. Our staff and volunteers are specially trained to work with children and we will make sure that your voice is heard. We recognise that children have rights and we will make sure that these rights are upheld.
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Parent Information
As a parent, you might be shocked and upset that a crime has happened to your child, especially if they did not talk to you about what was happening. It is important that you talk to someone about how you are feeling and get support from organisations and agencies involved in your child’s life – their school, your church, GP, your family and friends. Victim Support Isle of Man can also provide emotional support and practical help to get you through this difficult time.
If your child gives a statement to the police about the crime, you may be allowed to stay with your child while they do so. However, this is not always the case. Your child should be allowed to have another adult they trust with them at these interviews. If your child is under the age of 10, a Registered Intermediary may be used. This is a specially trained communications specialist who works with children or other vulnerable witnesses to help them give best evidence.
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Toolbox/Resources
Milkshake Breathing
Learning how to slow down our breathing when we feel scared or anxious can help our bodies and our minds feel better. This is a fun way to learn how to do it!
You will need a cup with a straw so that you can practice milkshake breathing. Fill the cup 1/3rd full with water or milkshake! Breath in deeply through your nose for as long as you can, then breath out slowly through the straw. Blow SMALL bubbles in the cup very gently – your doing it right if your milkshake isn’t spilling over the side.
Once you’ve mastered this set yourself some challenges!
- How long can you keep the bubbles going for in a single breath?
- See if you can keep your bubbles going while you count backwards from 4 in your head
Practice as often as you can. When you have learned this you will be able to slow down your breathing anytime you need.
Click here to find some mindfulness colouring sheets.
