Support for Young People
If something sexual has happened that you didn’t want, didn’t agree to, or didn’t feel safe to say no to, it’s not your fault, and you’re not alone.
Whether it happened once or many times, recently or a while ago, we’re here to support you.
Our Young Person’s ISVAs (Independent Sexual Violence Advisors) are specially trained to help young people aged 13–24 who’ve experienced sexual violence, abuse or exploitation — whether the abuse came from a stranger, friend, family member, partner, or someone in power
What is Sexual Violence & Abuse?
Sexual violence includes any sexual activity without your full consent, that means anything you didn’t want or weren’t free or able to say no to
It can include:
Being touched, kissed or groped when you didn’t want it
Being pressured, tricked, or forced into sex
Rape or attempted rape
Someone sharing or threatening to share intimate photos or videos of you
Being made to watch sexual things you didn’t want to
Being drunk, drugged or asleep when something happened
Sexual exploitation, being offered things like money, alcohol, gifts, or safety in return for sex
You might not be sure if what happened was “bad enough” but if it didn’t feel right, it’s okay to ask for help.
How a Young Person’s ISVA Can Help
Our Young Person’s ISVAs are here to listen, support, and guide you, without pressure or judgement.
They can help you:
Talk about what happened
You can tell them as much or as little as you feel comfortable. They’ll believe you, support you, and help you understand your options.
Stay safe
They can help you make a plan to keep yourself safe, online, in relationships, at home, or in public and work with others (like school, college, or police) to protect you if needed.
Understand your rights
If you’re thinking about telling the police, or already have, your ISVA can explain what happens next and be there with you through every step.
If you don’t want to report, that’s okay too, you can still get support.
Feel more in control
ISVAs can help you access counselling, health support, housing or education services and give you space to talk things through so you can make choices that feel right for you.
Be treated with respect
We know how scary or confusing this can feel. You won’t be forced to talk about anything you’re not ready for. You will be listened to and supported in a way that fits your needs, identity, and pace.
We Can Help If
You’ve experienced sexual abuse or assault
You’re unsure if what happened was abuse
You’re feeling scared, overwhelmed or confused
You’ve told someone, or you haven’t told anyone
You want to know your rights and options
You’re worried it might happen again
You just want someone to talk to
You don’t have to go through this alone.
Getting Support
You can contact us yourself, or someone else (like a parent, friend, teacher or social worker) can do it for you but we’ll always check with you first before getting involved.
Everything you tell us is confidential unless we’re really worried about your safety. If that ever happens, we’ll always explain what we need to share and why, and involve you as much as possible.
Need to talk?
We can provide support and help through our specialist Young Persons Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (IDVA) and Groups and Programmes if you are over 16 and live (or go to school or college) in the Humberside Police Force Area.
Childline (for under‑18s) free, open 24/7
text SHOUT to 85258 to contact the Shout textline
Call HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141 or the NHS on 111 and select option 2
The Mix (under‑25s) or visit themix.org.uk