When we talk about child exploitation, public attention often focuses on sexual grooming gangs. These cases have rightly generated outrage and led to calls for accountability. However, the other side of the same exploitation coin that receives far less attention is the grooming, trafficking and sexual exploitation of girls by drug gangs – criminal exploitation.

The difference between grooming gangs and drug gangs is that the primary purpose is sometimes different although coercion and threats of violence are common to both. Grooming gangs are typically associated with sexual exploitation as the main objective. Drug gangs, by contrast, primarily seek profit through criminal activity, but girls are frequently groomed, manipulated and sexually exploited as part of that process. The lines between sexual and criminal exploitation are blurred.

Criminal exploitation has been highlighted in the new BBC documentary Britain's Forgotten Girls , released this week. Four women waived their anonymity to share how they were targeted and exploited by criminals as children. Their stories differed in detail but revealed strikingly similar patterns. They were approached by older boys and men connected to drug gangs, manipulated through attention, affection and promises of belonging, before being subjected to criminal and sexual exploitation.

The documentary highlights how young girls across Britain are being groomed, trafficked and sexually exploited by drug gangs, despite repeated warnings to authorities over many years.

Many of the women described being drawn in by what initially appeared to be friendship or romance. One recalled the excitement of older boys wanting to spend time with her. Another spoke about the thrill of feeling wanted and valued. Like many victims of grooming, they were not forced immediately. Instead, attention gradually became control, and affection gradually became coercion.

One of the reasons girls are targeted by drug gangs is practical. The National Crime Agency has noted that criminal groups may use women and girls because they are perceived as less likely to be stopped, searched or suspected of involvement in drug dealing. As a result, girls can become valuable assets within criminal networks, making them particularly vulnerable to exploitation.

A recurring theme throughout these accounts is institutional failure. Every woman featured in the documentary believed that authorities had failed to protect her.

Christine recalled that when social services alerted police to her case, investigators appeared more interested in gathering information about drug offences than investigating the abuse she had suffered. She described spending hours in interviews before seeing attention shift towards intelligence about drug dealing and gang activity.

Others shared similar experiences. Violet said the men who abused her were arrested for drug offences, but when she asked about the rape investigation, she was told police had "bigger fish to fry". Holly recalled approaching officers while fleeing a sexual assault, covered in cuts and bruises, only to be accused of seeking a free lift home. Annie was told there was no realistic prospect of a conviction against her attackers.

The reality is that child exploitation rarely fits neatly into one category. A child who is being used to transport drugs may also be experiencing sexual exploitation, coercion, violence and trafficking. Yet too often these issues are treated separately, with greater emphasis placed on the criminal activity than on the abuse taking place behind it. The Children's Commissioner's inquiry into child sexual exploitation warned that many children are groomed through promises of love, belonging and status before becoming trapped in cycles of abuse and control.

While public attention has largely focused on sexual grooming gangs, the experiences highlighted in Britain's Forgotten Girls raise important questions about whether the exploitation of girls by drug gangs has received the same level of recognition. These girls are not simply involved in criminal activity; many are victims of grooming, trafficking and sexual abuse. Exploitation needs to be recognised in all its forms, and girls exploited by drug gangs must be seen first and foremost as victims in need of protection, support and justice.

Find out how Switalskis can help you

Every survivor of abuse deserves justice. That means holding perpetrators fully accountable, and it also means ensuring survivors are supported to reclaim their voice, rebuild their sense of control, and pursue the compensation they are entitled to for the harm they have suffered.

At Switalskis, our specialist abuse lawyers have decades of experience in representing survivors of child sexual exploitation. We understand that such cases are very emotional for clients and often legally complex, therefore we are dedicated to providing a supportive and professional environment in which our clients can feel confident in our services. We are committed to ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

If you have been impacted and would like to discuss your experience in confidence, our specialist abuse team   can help. Call 0800 1380 458  or email help@switalskis.com.