BBC Children in Need has awarded the Coventry Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) almost £80,000 to provide crucial services to young people affected by sexual abuse.
The money will be awarded over two years and will help to pay for one-to-one counselling and therapeutic play sessions for the children.
The sessions will be run by trained trauma-informed counsellors and will help children and young people to cope and recover from their experiences.
They will also help them to develop positive relationships moving forward and will give them increased self-esteem.
Last year 26% of CRASAC’s counselling referrals were under the age of 18, with this number continuing to grow.
CRASAC provides specialist and confidential services to adults and children over five years old who have been directly or indirectly impacted by sexual violence, including online abuse and exploitation.
CRASAC deputy CEO Jenni Muskett said: “This funding will make a real difference to the young people that we support.
“Many children and young people who have experienced abuse struggle to recognise and cope with their feelings, to trust and engage with others, and lack self-esteem and belief in their ability to thrive.
“Our trauma-informed therapy helps young people to explore their feelings and learn coping strategies which will increase their confidence and well-being – ensuring they feel more empowered and in control.”
