Background: Coventry Horizon Exploitation Team received referrals for two young girls Sally and Sarah (their real names have been protected). Sally and Sarah have both been victims of child sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation online. Sally was also a victim of statutory rape by the same perpetrator who groomed both girls online. The perpetrator aged 24 was fully aware that both girls were under the age of 14 and he continued to manipulate and coerce them, preying on their vulnerabilities. This included the preparator supplying drugs in exchange for his own sexual gratification and threatening harm to the victims and their families. The perpetrator went to extreme lengths to stalk and identify his victims, this involved a tracking device being planted.  This impacted understandably on the girls emotional and physical well-being, leading to Sally and Sarah both harming and Sally threatening suicide. Sally and Sarah bravely reported this to their parents and the parents acted appropriately and reported the crime to the Police. This was a complex case, and with the courage of Sally coming forward with significant identifiable evidence, the Police were able to pursue the perpetrator, which also coincided with a crime that Sarah had also reported regarding the same perpetrator.

Interventions: Sally and Sarah were allocated a team of specialist professionals which included Horizon Social Workers and Child Sexual Exploitation Support Workers.  A multi- agency approach was adopted with Independent sexual violence advisors (ISVA), Police, Education and Health. Professionals worked closely with agencies such as CRASAC (Coventry Rape and Sexual Assault Centre) and the Courts to ensure that Sally and Sarah’s voices were heard, and their needs were being met throughout the process. Regular multi-agnecy trial preparation sessions were held to ensure that Sally and Sarah were supported to understand the court process and giving evidence.  Professionals coordinated support which meant that Sally and Sarah were receiving weekly if not daily interventions. This involved supporting Sally and Sarah with their appointments at CRASAC. Professionals ensured that they worked in a trauma informed way, working therapeutically with Sally and Sarah. This involved:

• Bag of calm (self-soothing and self-harm distraction techniques) this had the following in there:

Elastic Band – We are flexible, and we can stretch ourselves. But do not be ‘stretched too thin’. You may snap or get into a knot – find the strength to say ‘NO’.

Dice – There are choices and possibilities. Sometimes you cannot control life, but you can explore opportunities and options.

Coloured pencil – Not everything can be ‘black and white’. This type of thinking can be unhealthy and having a set of certain views can have a negative impact. A colourful perspective allows for variety and allows you to be healthy in your thoughts and feelings.

Pencil – You are the ‘author’ of your destiny. Find that power within to ‘write’ your own story.

Eraser – At times we make mistakes – that’s okay. We all make mistakes. We need to learn and look at positive ways to problem solve.

Post-it notes – Write reminders, affirmations any positive. Highlight the good. Positive mind gives a positive outlook.

Paperclips – Single of chain linked. These are the positive people in your life or support networks. Single or linked, you have that support network, and they hold together. Use your paperclips.

Time – Allow yourself time. Time to heal. Give yourself time – to take a break from physical and emotional demands. With time you can step back, make clear decisions, and manage challenges ahead.

Squeeze ball – Squeeze all those negative thoughts out. Your squeeze ball will bounce back into shape no matter what.

• Activities such as day trips: bowling, cinema, health, and beauty activities. Sally and Sarah have shared in their meetings that they have enjoyed doing this as this was their way of escaping and not having to think about the trial and the lead up to this.

• Going out for meals with the families which allowed Sally and Sarah to know they were supported not only by professionals but their families too.

• 1:1 direct work – online safety, grooming process, mapping, exploitation, healthy relationship and identifying risk, LGBTQ, sexual health, therapeutic support when her friend killed himself, coping strategy and safety planning understanding teenage brain.

Outcomes: Following a lengthy 12-month Court process, a final Court Hearing took place on 27^th September 2022 the preparator was found guilty on all 8 counts. This included 5 statutory rapes against Sally, 1 count in engaging a child into sexual activity (non penetrative) against Sally and 1 count in relation to being in possession with intent to supply. This is a phenomenal result, not only the case being heard in Court but having a guilty verdict on all counts.

The perpetrator was sentenced on 20^th December 2022 to a total of 20 years in prison; 14 years 9 months in relation to Sally, 3 years in relation to Sarah and 15 months with intent to supplying drugs. He will serve at least two-thirds of this sentence and will be assessed before being released. He will also have a sexual harm prevention order which will last for life which prohibits him for being able to talk to or be around any females under the age of 16 and will monitor his social media. He will have to sign the sex offenders register for life.

The Horizon Practitioners worked tirelessly to support the young people, their families and fellow team members. 

What happened next: Sally and Sarah continue to be supported by the Horizon exploitation team in supporting Sarah and Sally recovery from harm. It is imperative that both girls continue to receive after care support following their very difficult journey and the significant trauma they have experienced. Professionals will undertake direct work with Sally and Sarah in respect of any future exploitation risks. Sarah and Sally will still have support from Coventry Rape And Sexual Abuse Centre (CRASAC) where they can still access the service as well as accessing counselling services. We will also continue to support Sarah and Sally by being their advocate and ensure their voices are being heard in all meetings.

‘She was powerful, not because she wasn’t scared but because she went on so strongly despite the fear’ – Atticus Poetry, The Dark Between Stars