'We were raped and exploited by a drug gang as teenagers', women tell BBC of their ordeal
Four women have chosen to waive their anonymity and speak publicly to the BBC documentary, Britain's Forgotten Girls, about how they were targeted by criminals when they were children.
Four women have spoken out to the BBC about their traumatic experiences of being raped and exploited by a drug gang during their teenage years. The documentary, Britain's Forgotten Girls, allows these women to share their stories without fear of retribution. Although each woman's account varies, there are disturbing similarities in their experiences.
All four women recount instances of being targeted by boys and older men involved in drug trafficking. These predators manipulated young girls into relationships that quickly turned abusive. Once ensnared, these women were repeatedly sexually exploited by the gang members.
Despite enduring such horrific abuse, the women feel the police and justice system failed them. They believe authorities did not take their allegations seriously and did not provide adequate protection. The exploitation of girls by drug gangs has often been overlooked in public discourse, overshadowed by the focus on sexual grooming gangs.
Experts and frontline social workers agree this issue demands more attention. For those affected by the topics discussed in this story, the BBC Action Line provides resources and support.
Written by urgent.news from BBC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
