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The centre which runs the Young People Affected by Crime service (YPAC) opened its doors last NovemberÌýto provide support to young people between the ages of seven and 18 who have been the victims of crime in the borough.

Baroness Scotland returned to her home town to pay homage to the work being done at the Friday Hill Community Association Hall and officially launch the new service. She said:

"We've done a great deal on victim care generally, but to do something specific for young people I think is really critical."

It's good to see that Waltham Forest is leading the way on… these criminal justice issues."

Since opening last November, the centre has already helped many young people who have been victims of crime in the borough regain their confidence, not only in themselves but in the justice system. Providing counselling and advice is essential to making sure these young people don't get lost in the system, or end up turning to crime themselves, something Baroness Scotland is keen to point out:

"We've seen an unhappy correlation between those that are victims today, but they maybe dragged into offending later... the dividing line between the victim and offender can if they're not treated properly be very narrow."

No more fear

15 year old 'D' was referred to the centre by the the local police after being a victim of an attempted violent attack and uses it regularly, he says:

"It's a place for support, to help you. If you wanna say something you can. I [find] itÌýÌý easy to talk to them.... It helped with my confidence."

The work done through YPAC is heavily supported by the Metropolitan police. Waltham Forest Borough Commander, Mark Benbow believes the centre will aid in making sure young victims aren't side-tracked by the judicial system, but are supported through the process, from reporting an incident to the police, right through to appearing in court.

And although the centre has been launched in an area which has a low crime rate for the borough, Benbow points out that if this proves to be a continued success, centres like this could be popping up all over the borough and potentially the rest of the capital.

A final word of advice from 'D' for other young people thinking about speaking out against their attackers, "Don't fear them."

If you'd like to comment on this story, email dekan.apajee@bbc.co.uk