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Community and mental health services for Southampton, Portsmouth and parts of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

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Under 18 Support for parents

For lots of really useful information, please read the leaflet here.

If your child has been raped or sexually assaulted it can be difficult to know how to react and how to support them. Even though it may feel daunting it is possible for you to be a good source of support for your child.

Rape and sexual assault will have an emotional impact on your child but it is also likely to impact upon you. As a parent you may experience a range of emotions such as shock, anger, horror at what they have experienced and a general sense of helplessness. You may also feel angry if you feel that he or she has acted irresponsibly.

You might also feel guilty about what happened and blame yourself for not being able to protect them. In the weeks after the assault you may feel frustrated that your child is not reacting in the way you would expect them to or would consider ‘normal’ following a sexual assault.

All of these emotions and thoughts can feel overwhelming and difficult to manage while still supporting them. The rest of this booklet contains information and suggestions that could help you to understand their needs, and provide effective support.

 

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Please visit our services page for specific services and contact details. Alternatively, contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service by emailing or calling the number below. You can also give us feedback, make a complaint or share a compliment.

pals@solent.nhs.uk

0800 013 2319

*Lines are open Monday to Friday 10am – 4pm.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) Act was passed on 30 November 2000. It gives a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, with full access granted in January 2005.

The Act sets out exemptions to that right and places certain obligations on public authorities.

Email: InformationGovernanceTeam@solent.nhs.uk

Phone: 0300 123 3919

*Subject to any exemptions which apply, we are obliged to provide the information requested please note that requests for Personal Information is not covered under this Act and should be applied for through the Data Protection Act 1998.

Our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton.

While our services can be found around various NHS locations in Southampton and Portsmouth (and surrounding districts), our administrative and managerial centre is based in Southampton at:

Highpoint Venue
Bursledon Road
Southampton
SO19 8BR

If you require a printable version of how to find us including bus times, car access and bike info please download our leaflet. (Copyright of Highpoint Venue).

Central office phone: 0300 123 3390

*Lines open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

If you are a journalist with a media enquiry, please contact the Communications Team at:

communications@solent.nhs.uk

0300 123 4156 or 02381 031076

The Communications Office is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.