Heartbroken mum: Semina will ‘never be forgotten’
THE heartbroken mum of a “beautiful and funny” 12-yearold girl who died wants to launch a charity in her daughter’s name.
Semina Halliwell died on June 12, after spending four nights in hospital.
Her mum, Rachel Halliwell, said she had reported being raped and then bullied online about her horrific ordeal.
Rachel said what happened to Semina left her “traumatised”.
She shared footage appearing to show Semina being attacked last month and believes the incidents took place in parks near to their home in Southport, and happened around a month after the alleged rape. The videos appear to show Semina being hit, kicked, and dragged to the floor.
Rachel said she wants people to see the footage, saying: “I want the whole country to see what my daughter went through.
“I will not stop until I get justice for my baby.
“She will never be forgotten.” Rachel said even after her death, Semina continues to receive abuse. Horrific screenshots appeared to show people making fun of Semina’s death online, and even threatening to “trash” her grave.
Semina’s tragic case was raised at a parliamentary committee on June 23, when Labour MP Apsana Begum asked Education Secretary Gavin Williamson what more can be done to help protect children from sexual harassment and abuse.
Ms Begum said: “I wanted to highlight the case of Semina who was 12 years old who disclosed that she’d been raped, and committed suicide.”
Merseyside Police confirmed reports that a 12-year-old girl had been raped at an address in Southport on February 25.
Mum Rachel is now crowdfunding to set up a charity to help raise awareness of “online grooming and bullying”.
At the time of publication, £2,690 has been donated - with an end target of £6000.
Merseyside Police is investigating the report of rape, and a “number of allegations relating to the same alleged victim received before and since her tragic death”.
A spokesman said: “A report was received on March 23 that a 12-yearold girl had been raped at an address in Southport on February 25. An investigation was launched and a juvenile voluntarily attended a police station for interview.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing into this allegation and other matters relating to the same alleged victim, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”