Programme for adolescents victims of violence

A whole generation of young boys and girls suffer the effects of increasing violence in our society. Most victims of rape and trafficking in women are adolescents. Supporting young victims of violence (aged 14 to 21) has a positive long-term effect on the development of Bulgarian society. Empowering them prevents them from future involvement in a violent situation. In addition to their traumatic symptoms, adolescents have other special needs due to their immaturity, such as problems with their sexual maturation and identity development. Work with this group is different from work with adult victims of violence. Violence suffered during adolescence can cause serious problems in the person's maturation and can harm the process of healthy development. The work with this group of clients needs special preparation and development of a particular program.
The programme will include:

• identification and assessment of the form and means of violence;
  
• assessment of the risks;
  
• assessment of physical and sychologicalneeds;
  
• counselling and studying disturbing aspects of adolescent's behaviour - suicidal state of mind, eating disorders, anxieties about gender and sexuality, concerns about adolescent breakdown, and difficulties in relationships with family and authority;
  
• work with post-traumatic stress disorder;
  
• empowering the adolescent to gain control over her life