Content/trigger warnings: rape, sexual abuse, child sexual exploitation, suicide, self-harm

‘As soon as you open the door, you’re in danger’

At eighteen years old, Kate Elysia fell victim to Telford’s gang of sex abusers. But how? And what happened afterwards?

‘They were telling me it was my fault’

Kate’s now in her thirties. She’s back in Telford after many years away, working in mental health.

‘I feel that I have recovered and that I’m doing very well considering what I’ve been through. I just hope for that for everyone else.’

Kate tells her full story in this episode of Hello You the Shropshire podcast.

‘I thought I’d be dead way before 30’

The debate about grooming gangs - group-based sexual offending - continues. Kate’s story can inform that debate. Some of her story changed my mind on part of the issue. How will you feel about it? Comment, and share this episode with others?

Sources of support

Kate’s given me these contact details for organisations who could help support you or someone you know whose life has been touched by the issues we’ve talked about:

Child and Adult Safeguarding in Telford If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or in an emergency call 999.You can now report CSE for anyone 19 years or under to Telford Family Connect:If you have concerns about the welfare of a child in Telford please contact Telford Family Connect

Email: [email protected], mobile: 07537 453177 (text back service), phone: 01952 385385

Telford Counselling and Support Services for Sexual Abuse

Axis Counselling and ISVA Service Supporting Survivors of Sexual Abuse

Phone: 01743 357777 (for Shropshire), 01952 278000 (for Telford & Wrekin), email: [email protected]

The Holly Project is a free, independent support service for the survivors of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and their families, run by CSE Survivors

Phone: 01952 947 831, email: [email protected] or on Facebook

Mental Health Support in Telford and elsewhere:

In an Emergency call 999Urgent Advice for Mental Health: NHS 111 opt 2 Non Urgent: You can ask your GP service what support they have for mental health or make an appointmentFree NHS Shropshire Telford and Wrekin Talking Therapy Service (STWTT)You can self refer on their website, by phone 0300 123 6020 or email: [email protected]

Telford Mind: offers counselling, listening support service and morePhone: (07434) 869248, email: [email protected]

TACT (Telford After Care Team) offer support with mental health, drop in counselling and activities service, support for people with substance misuse

Support as a victim of Exploitation / Modern Slavery

As a victim, or survivor, of sexual exploitation, no matter how long it has been since it happened to you, you may still may be entitled to some form of mental health support, financial subsistence, compensation or other entitlements through the ‘National Referral Mechanism’ (NRM). The NRM requires you to share some evidence of your exploitation. The NRM can be beneficial where you receive a positive decision, but there may be some cases where a negative decision affects immigration or criminal justice proceedings. It is important to get advice on the NRM and check if the process is right for you.

The following modern slavery charities can support you at various stages of the NRM, and some may be able to talk through options with you:

Salvation Army runs a confidential helpline for potential victim-survivors open 24/7 (0800 808 3733), and offers modern slavery support which can include legal advice, healthcare, educational opportunities, financial help and employment/training support

Anti-Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit offers legal advice for non-recent and recent survivors of exploitation where a case can be opened under legal aid

Hope for Justice offers specialist advice, advocacy and signposting on modern slavery survivor care for survivors and professionals

Modern slavery and exploitation helpline: The charity Unseen runs a 24/7 helpline offering information, advice, and guidance on modern slavery and exploitation. Phone: 08000 121 700

If you suspect a child is being sexually abused or exploited, you can access advice through the NSPCC’s voice helpline (0808 800 5000)

If you are 17 years old or younger and you suspect you are being abused, contact Childline. Call them for free (0800 1111), email them, or send a web form for advice. They also provide a webchat for one-to-one counselling online

Victim Support offers practical and emotional support for victims of crime online and via 24/7 supportline (08 08 16 89 111), and can provide support in court proceedings for survivors in need of a Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA)

Rape Crisis England & Wales runs a 24/7 support line (0808 500 2222) and provides longer-term support for women who have experienced sexual violence (including child sexual exploitation and abuse)

Survivors UK supports male and non-binary victims of sexual violence through practical and emotional support, and runs a helpline (020 3322 1860) open 12-8pm, for both adults and young people

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