To Örebro University

Background: Victimization early in life can result in both short and long term consequences such as mental health problems or behavioral changes. For this reason the young victims might need support to handle their victimization and move on after it. However, from previous research it is known that both professional support (e.g. psychologists, social workers) and support from family and friends have varying effect.

Objectives: For this reason, the aim was to investigate which needs of support young victims in Sweden express, both verbally and non-verbally, and how these needs have been matched with, to them, available support services. Method: 19 narrative interviews with young victim of crime.

Results: The results show that the victims want professionals and their family and friends to understand what they are going through, and that they want information about what is going to happen in the police investigation and upcoming trial. These two aspects then laid the foundation for how the victimization was processed, with those who received information and understanding for their situation, moved on from it faster than those who did not receive it.

Conclusion: Information and understanding from other people are importance aspects when young victims process their victimization. Implications for both practice and research are discussed.