Make gang-related sexual violence towards under-18s a child protection issue
Rape is being used as a weapon against girls and women, a shocking new report has found.
Race on the Agenda’s Female Voice in Violence report, found that girls under the age of 18 are falling victim to gang-related physical and sexual violence.
But living in gang-free neighbourhoods and even going to girls only schools does not mean young women are safe from this style of violence.
When becoming tangled in gang situations asking for help isn’t always working, with women in the research saying that it can make everything worse.
Deputy Children’s Commissioner Sue Berelowitz said: “This extraordinary report sets out starkly, in the words of the young people interviewed, that too many girls in our midst are in danger from sexual exploitation, violence and abuse.
“I urge national and local government, the police, health services and community leaders to demonstrate that the compelling and distressing testimonies documented in this report have not been given in vain. Gang-associated sexual exploitation and serious youth violence should be recognised as abuse and agencies should respond accordingly.”
Race on the Agenda is calling for gang-related violence towards girls under the age of 18 to be made a child protection issue.
Elizabeth Henry, CEO, ROTA said: “The report has identified the need for guidance and support both locally and nationally to prioritise and protect gang-associated women and girls. To do anything less would be to abandon girls and women to violent and distressing circumstances.