Teenager helped through ordeal after sexual assault

For more than four decades Victim Support has been helping people affected by all sorts of crime. Over the last 12 months alone more than 40,000 people in London have been given emotional and practical help during difficult times.

To mark its 40th anniversary we spoke to one young woman who says without their help she would never have survived her own ordeal.

You can find contact details for Victim Support in London at the end of this article.

Shameema was sexually assaulted by a man near her home when she was 17-years-old. She was so ashamed at what had happened she didn't tell her parents.

But she did tell the police. And soon she was thrown into a legal system she had no experience of.

Because her family didn't know about the assault, she had no parental support. At one point as she was being cross-examined, she passed out under the pressure.

The next time round, a victim support worker came to sit beside her in court.

The whole legal process took two years. In the end her attacker was sentenced to 9 and a half years for hers and another attack.

What happened to Shameema is never spoken about in her family. But she says she has moved on from it. Thanks to the support she received.

Wherever you are in Greater London you can call 0845 450 3936 to speak to the London victim care team. The line is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm.

If you need to speak to one of the London Witness Service offices directly, please call the victim care team on the same number, 0845 450 3936

You can also visit the Victim Support website at victimsupport.org.uk