Court delays adding extra stress and worry on the young victims

Our Childline counsellors across the UK have heard from young victims who are experiencing court delays, with many sharing that these waiting times have a devasting impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

- By Darren Worth Childline senior supervisor, North of England

One girl aged 17 told Childline: “We're still waiting on the case to go to court. I can't move on with my life in the meantime.

“I want to focus on school and my friends but find myself talking about what happened instead. I didn't realise how dragged out the process would be.”

Another girl, aged 14, told counsellors: “The other person is getting on with their life while I'm stuck feeling anger, frustration, feeling numb, just waiting. I need the court case over with.”