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File on 4: Grooming: A Life Sentence?

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Grooming: A Life Sentence?

11/06/2013

BBC Radio 4 - File on 4, Grooming: A Life Sentence?

Are young grooming victims getting the help they need to rebuild their lives?

In the wake of the Oxford grooming trial, Jane Deith asks whether there is enough support for victims. Who picks up the pieces after the legal process ends?

In the latest high profile grooming trial, 7 men from Oxford will be sentenced later this month for sexually exploiting and raping 6 schoolgirls. Police said the girls - some as young as 12 - were 'abused to the point of torture' for years. One girl was injected with heroin. Another was forced to have a backstreet abortion.

The police praised the young women for finding the strength to give evidence against the gang and protect other girls.

But, after the legal process ends, what support is there for victims?

After a string of such abuse cases around the country, Jane Deith finds there are many young women who say they've been let down by the authorities and are struggling, alone, with mental health problems and difficulties with education and housing.

More victims of grooming are being rescued. But does being sexually exploited as a child mean a life sentence?

Reporter: Jane Deith Producer: Sally Chesworth.

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