My name is Alicia. While I was still in secondary school, I was raped by my at the time partner. One week later I was sexually assaulted by his adult brother. I followed the advice and went to the police. Not only was I met with incompetent policing but I became nothing more than a statistic to the police. As we all know, receiving support in our county as we know it, is impossible in any sort of timely manner. After a complex trauma under the age of 18, I was left for 18 months to receive any sort of emotional support from a professional and yet still, this support was not the most accessible. I believe, as police have a duty of care, there should be a system in place for victims to receive primary support before a mental health professional is available to take over. There are specialist officers who support families supporting after a fatal road traffic accident etc therefore the police understand the concept. To many young people are left to suffer due to police incompetence and long waiting lists. This must change. By signing this petition, you are giving me the ability to push for improved circumstances for our young people. Too many lives are lost to early when intervention could have been in place. Many thanks, 

Alicia.