Ben’s* Story

My name is Ben* and I am 16 years old.

My story started when I was 11, but honestly, it feels like it started way before that.

Back then, I didn’t really understand what was happening to me—I just knew that it felt wrong.

My cousin hurt me in ways I couldn’t explain, and when I finally told someone, everything changed.

When I first spoke to the police, I had to do something called a video interview.

It was scary, and I couldn’t say everything out loud.

Instead, I drew pictures to help explain what had happened.

Talking about it felt impossible, but my ISVA was there to help me.

She understood me, even when I couldn’t find the words.

For two years, my ISVA has been by my side.

She didn’t leave, even when the people in charge of the service changed.

She helped me with so many things—coping strategies, talking to my family, and making sure my school knew how to support me.

She even changed her working hours to be there for me when I needed her most.

The hardest part came last year when I found out I had to go to court.

For a long time, I was told that I wouldn’t have to.

Then, suddenly, I did.

I remember feeling so scared and confused.

I didn’t understand why this was happening, and it made everything worse.

My ISVA was the one who explained things to me.

She made sure I got to visit the court before the trial, so I knew what to expect.

She talked to my parents and my school, making sure I had all the support I needed.

When the trial started, I didn’t know if I could do it.

But my ISVA was there.

She sat with me, helped me take breaks when I needed them, and made sure people understood when I was struggling.

She fought for me when I couldn’t fight for myself.

Then, finally, the verdict came. He was found guilty.

I didn’t know how to feel—relieved, happy, scared—it was all mixed together.

But I wasn’t alone.

My ISVA was still there, helping me process everything and making sure I was okay.

Even though the trial is over, my ISVA is still supporting me while we wait for the sentencing.

I don’t know what’s going to happen next, but I do know that I wouldn’t have gotten through any of this without her.

She believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.

She made sure my voice was heard when I couldn’t speak.

This journey has been hard, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

But having someone like my ISVA made all the difference.

She wasn’t just there for the court case—she was there for me.