I have been involved in the world of Child Abuse since 1992. I am currently the Head of Operational and Strategic Performance at the St. Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester and SAFEPlace Merseyside . The St. Mary's Centre was the first sexual assault referral centre to be created in 1986. We have seen over 28,500 clients and offer a comprehensive, co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been assaulted within Greater Manchester, Cheshire or Merseyside . We currently see around 1,500 clients per year - around half of which are under 17. My current role involves the planning and managing of the service. I have previously been responsible for the management of the Child Service within the department as well as counselling children aged between 6 and 15 years. I regularly advise Greater Manchester Police on major police operations which involve victims of sexual assault and formulate victim care plans so that all victims receive individualized, appropriate care.I regularly provide training about the impact of rape and sexual assault to officers of Greater Manchester Police, Social Worker, members of local safeguarding boards, medical professionals and local counselling services.I am a member of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists and a certified Supervisor, offering group or individual clinical supervision.