Survivor of child sexual exploitation waives anonymity to help others come forward

A survivor of child sexual exploitation has waived her anonymity to speak out in the hope of helping others come forward.

When she was just 12-years-old, Lowri Hawkins was groomed by a 28-year old man who approached her while she and a friend stood outside a shop.

She formed a relationship with him over the next 18 months and fell pregnant by the time she was 13. The teenager was too ill to have the baby and had an abortion.

Lowri, who was using drugs before she left primary school, drank heavily and was in care at the time. She thought she would never be believed.

However, after watching a documentary on child grooming she decided to tell her foster dad the truth.

Her abuser was jailed for ten years and now seven years on, Lowri has her life back.

Now a mother to a little girl, she is in college hoping to become a social worker to help others like her. She also helps train the police about child sexual exploitation.

''I don't just want to just be an anonymous person who's been through something. I'm on the other side and I'm happy. I just want to make a difference,'' she said.

Lowri credits DS Emma Coopey, a specialist in the field who took on her case, for her recovery.

DS Coopey says exploitation is a complex issue and hopes that with the help of Lowri, officers can be educated on how they should approach the issue and deal with children affected by it.

Richard Watson, Lowri's foster dad, has been with her every step of the way, and said he couldn't be prouder.

''She didn't see she had any future, it's all been down to her, hopefully she'll eventually become a social worker.''

• If you or someone you know has been affected by an of these issues, please call Childline for free on 0800 1111.

• Wales This Week is on ITV Cymru Wales on Monday October 7 at 8pm.