CPS promises support to abuse victims

The abuse these girls were subjected to was truly appalling. Today’s sentences reflect the seriousness of the offences, and the young age and vulnerability of the victims when the offences were committed.

This is an important point for other victims out there, who may think that they won’t be believed because they too seemingly ‘agreed’ to sexual activity. The background and context of such sexual activity is of crucial importance and victims who are forced to succumb to it by the use of such tactics do not, in the eyes of the law, consent to it. Their freedom to make a choice has been cruelly taken away from them.

This case shows our approach is working, and I urge any victims of sexual offences to come forward and report their abuse to the appropriate authorities. We and the police will listen and support you.