www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Information for Students
Young people
Children and young people can experience any of the sorts of crime which affect adults, although some (assault, theft / robbery, abuse) are more common than others (fraud and other financial crimes). You might also be a victim of a crime that happens to someone else, for example if you live in a house where there is domestic violence, or if your home is burgled.
Sometimes victims of crime are called survivors, especially if the crime is something like sexual abuse or assault or domestic violence. If you are a victim of crime, you can choose whether to call yourself a victim or a survivor.
Sometimes things happen to young people that would be called a crime if they happened to an adult, but might be called bullying f they happen to you. Bullying can be a crime too.
If you have been a victim of crime
If the crime has just happened, and it is an emergency, call 999.
If you want to call the police and it isn’t an emergency, call 01380 735 735 (Wiltshire police).
If you want to report a crime anonymously, you can call Crimestoppers on
Tel: 0800 555 111
If you think that you have been a victim of crime, it is important that you tell someone so that the person can’t do it again. You could tell a parent, a teacher or youth worker or another trusted adult.
Sometimes the person who committed the crime will be a parent or other trusted adult. This can be very frightening and confusing. They might make you say that you won’t tell anyone and that it is your secret.
Even if you’re not sure that you have been a victim of crime, you should tell someone. If you don’t want to tell someone you know, you can call a helpline.
Web: Childline
Tel: 0800 1111
Web: Rapeline (Wiltshire)
Tel: 0808 800 1144
Victim Support Wiltshire 01380 729 476
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
How can I stop myself being a victim of crime?
At home
- If you are at home on your own, make sure you know who is at the door before you open it
- If there is violence in your home, TELL SOMEONE. Find somewhere safe to go and try to keep out of the way
- If someone is making you feel uncomfortable, or doing things to you that you don’t want them to do, TELL SOMEONE.
On the streets
- Try not to go out on your own, for example, walk to school with your friends.
- Tell someone where you are going and when you will be back
- Don’t go off on your own with someone you don’t know or someone you feel uncomfortable with.
On the internet
- Do not give out personal information (your real name or address)
- Do not agree to meet anyone you meet on the internet – they might not be who they say they are
- If someone sends you something or says something that upsets you or makes you feel uncomfortable, tell a parent, teacher or the chat room moderator
At school
- Try not to leave your things lying around – use a locker or carry them with you
- Don’t show off new or valuable things. This doesn’t mean don’t use your new phone or calculator, but do so discreetly.
- Make sure you know how to lock your mobile if it is stolen.
If you have any comments or suggestions about the safer schools pages, please send them to saferschools@wiltshire.gov.uk or fill in and return our feedback form.
