Her Voice: British teenagers bravely speak out in court after exploitation 

This Spring, donations* to Justice & Care will be doubled through our match-funding campaign – Her Future, which shines a light on the disproportionate impact of modern slavery on women and girls. Donate between April 16 and May 31 to double your impact and support survivors on their journey to freedom, justice and empowerment. 

In January 2021, a British teenager went missing. When she was found and taken into police protection, she described a series of events that revealed the scale of exploitation her and her friends had been subject to.  

Between December 2020 and January 2021, a group of men had targeted girls aged 14 to 17. They posed as friends, inviting them to “parties” and encouraging them to bring others along. The girls were picked up and taken across county lines to unfamiliar houses, where they were given alcohol and drugs. There, they were subjected to abuse and raped before being dropped back as if nothing had happened.  

The victims were already known to police and social care as vulnerable, deliberately chosen by those looking to exploit them. 

But they found the courage to speak out. 

Thanks to the bravery of two of the girls, Willow** and Summer**, five men were arrested, along with the mother and grandmother of the youngest victim. While not all could be charged due to lack of evidence, two men were prosecuted for multiple offences, including 10 charges under the Modern Slavery Act, and 2 of sexual assault.  

The legal process was long and brutal. The first trial, in April 2023, ended in a hung jury. But Willow and Summer stayed engaged with their Justice and Care Victim Navigator and remained committed to fighting for justice. 

Willow had initially felt unable to tell the police everything that had happened. But with the time, trust, and support of her navigator she was finally able to share the extent of the abuse. Both Willow and Summer went on to give evidence in court – Summer for the second time. The defence challenged them at every turn, but they stood firm. They refused to be intimidated and held on to their truth. 

When the defence tried to have the case dismissed, the judge was clear: there was a case to answer. 

Every step of the way, their Victim Navigator was there. Not just in the courtroom but walking alongside them through the hardest moments of their journey. 

When benefit delays meant they had no money for essentials, the navigator helped provide food and toiletries. When housing debts and social care issues left Willow at risk of homelessness, the navigator advocated for the local authority to step in, and they did. 

When Summer became trapped in an abusive relationship, it was the navigator who supported her through a police interview. When her beloved dog needed emergency care, the navigator helped with transport and emergency vet visits. 

When they were ready, the Navigator supported both girls to access counselling, helped them make successful Criminal Injuries Compensation claims, and secured long-term housing for each of them, providing new levels of stability and safety.  

Today, both girls are focused on rebuilding their lives. Willow has just completed her first year at college, studying animal care. Summer is working with social services with the hope of being reunited with her daughter. 

Their voices helped deliver justice. Now, they’re using them to build a new future. 

*up to £235,000

**name changed to protect identity