Exploitation sentence sends out important message

Barnardo’s supported the young women in this case through its R-U-Safe? service based in Buckinghamshire.

The team provided personalised support to each of the victims before the trial and have continued to offer support during and after court proceedings and will continue to be there for them to aid their recovery.

Barnardo’s Chief Executive Javed Khan says:“Child sexual exploitation is a crime that shatters young lives.

“These sentences send out an important message: abusers will pay for their actions. Their crimes have had a devastating impact on their victims.

“The victims showed tremendous bravery in giving evidence in court. Their courage in re-living the horrific abuse cannot be underestimated.

“Our specialist child sexual exploitation workers will continue to offer and provide support to each of the victims to help aid their recovery.

“Every conviction gives sexually exploited children a bit more confidence in the justice system and encouragement that, if they come forward, they will be believed and helped."