IT IS STILL GOING ON
Probe author’s shock report revelations
HARROWING accounts of the Operation Sanctuary sex abuse have today been revealed in the victims’ own words.
Experts have revealed that the vulnerable women and girls targeted by sex predators on Tyneside are likely to need lifetime support to help cope with the impact of their ordeals.
And today details of some of their horrific experiences have been revealed for the first time with the publication of a Serious Case Review report.
During interviews with the report’s author, victims told how they were raped while under the influence of drink and drugs.
“I never had sex when I was sober,” one said. “I wanted to leave. I was given drink. I kept saying no and fighting them off.
“I was very tired and fell asleep. When I woke, I had been raped. When I was asleep I was raped.”
And a victim told how the abusers used the drug mephedrone, otherwise known as M-Cat, to control the girls.
She said: “They gave it to the girls – M-Cat was cheap, makes you like a zombie and wanting to keep going. It’s addictive.
“It makes it easier for them to get what they want.”
“When I was out of it they could do anything they wanted to me.”
The SCR highlights how many victims did not realise they were being abused, due to the skill of the perpetrators who made them think they were friends.
“I didn’t think what was happening was wrong,” said a victim.
“I thought they were my friends. They bought me drink and drugs. I thought it was OK because of my family.”
“Then it became more sinister. Different. There were parties with men a lot older. 30/40, when previously 20/21.”
“They knew that they had us They are very skilled at who they target.”
“I did not realise what was happening,” said a victim. “The men treated me nicely but not everyone else.
“Some men were horrible. They left their countries in lorries – they’d done bad things - they have done bad things elsewhere in other countries – they said they had done bad things.”
Victim also reveals how troubles in childhood made them vulnerable to grooming.
One said: “I had a horrific time at school. I was bullied. I had no help with it. I have had mental illness since I was 11 or 12. Severe depression.
“If this hadn’t happened I don’t think the exploitation would have happened.”
While another said: “I had no attention at school and then suddenly I got attention from everyone. Sexual exploitation comes from wanting attention and affection.”
David Spicer, the independent author of the Serious Case Review said the victims would need lifelong support.
“It is not just sex, we are talking about. It’s not just young people having sex with older people. It’s degrading inhumane treatment and torture,” he explained.
“Just stopping the abuse is not the end. “They are going to need life long support and that’s quite challenging for the mental health services.” The charity Changing Lives continues to support 33 women associated with Operation Sanctuary.
Director Laura Seebohm has welcomed the findings of the Serious Case
I thought they were my friends. They bought me drink and drugs. I thought it was OK because of my family
Review, which she believes reflects the ongoing torment victims suffer.
She said: “The trauma and long term impact of sexual exploitation cannot be underestimated.
“We therefore welcome the recommendation for a national debate, review and guidance to highlight the need for long term support for victims of any age – vulnerability is not defined by age.
“The review highlights that the response of Northumbria Police to the victims who bravely came forward back in 2014 has been different to any previous cases - victims were believed and trusted and treated with respect.
“Indeed it is the bravery of the women who came forward and put themselves through the ordeal of giving evidence that led to so many perpetrators being brought to justice.
“The police are also to be commended for bringing together individuals and organisations who were already trusted by women and girls experiencing sexual exploitation who were best placed to provide support.
“Changing Lives have been supporting women within the multiagency sexual exploitation hub alongside our statutory and voluntary sector partners and we continue to work closely with police whose approach has been ground-breaking and exemplary.”