Supported by Amy Clowrey and Kate Hall in Switalskis specialist abuse team , they have chosen to share their experiences in the hope that other families will not have to endure the same pain, and that lessons can be learned about how survivors are treated after they come forward.

The woman at the centre of this case was subjected to child sexual exploitation when she was young. Her family believe that the trauma she carried throughout her life was made worse by decisions taken after her abuser's conviction, leaving her feeling unsafe and unsupported at a time when she needed stability and protection. They believe these experiences contributed to her deteriorating mental health and, ultimately, to her taking her own life.

Her abuser received a six-year prison sentence but was released after serving three years. Following his release, he was allowed to return to the area where she lived. She then bumped into him in a local shop.

Her family were told that, for her own safety, she would need to move away from her family and young daughter. Rather than being given secure accommodation and the support she needed to rebuild her life, they say she was moved between hostels and experienced periods of homelessness.

Her mother who we refer to as Laura, spoke to the abuse team at Switalskis about how the uncertainty and instability surrounding early release brought back the trauma her daughter had already endured as a survivor of child sexual exploitation.

Laura said:

"No parent should have to witness their child being broken by trauma, instability, and systems that were meant to protect her.

“Her daughter now has to grow up without her mummy. This is a lifelong loss that can never be repaired, and it shows the human cost of decisions that failed to prioritise victim safety and public protection.”

They describe living with profound grief and the lasting effects of trauma. For the woman's daughter, it has meant growing up without her mother.

By sharing their story, the family hope to encourage change. They want survivors of exploitation to receive the protection, understanding and practical support they need, and for families' voices to be heard when they raise concerns about the systems designed to keep people safe.

Amy Clowrey, Director and Solicitor in Switalskis' child abuse team, said:

"Child sexual exploitation is a violent and devastating crime, and its impact is felt by survivors and their families for the rest of their lives.

"Too often, families tell us they feel the systems around them are not trauma informed and don't fully understand the lasting effects of what they have been through.

"It is deeply distressing when perpetrators of these serious offences are released early and allowed to return to the same communities as their victims. The Government should look again at whether the law goes far enough and consider changes to early release provisions for those convicted of serious sexual offences against children.

"Survivors and families deserve to feel safe, supported and heard at every stage of the process."

Supporting survivors of child sexual abuse

At Switalskis, our specialist child abuse compensation team represents survivors of childhood sexual abuse across England and Wales. We understand that legal developments such as these can be unsettling, particularly for those whose offenders remain in custody.

If you have concerns about how changes to sentencing or offender release could affect you, or you would like advice about making a compensation claim, our specialist team is here to help.