Saskia's story
For Saskia, the internet felt like a place of safety – somewhere she could go to seek connection and belonging. But at 11, she was groomed and sexually exploited online by a network of criminals. Unable to cope with what happened, Saskia turned to drugs and alcohol. It wasn’t until she met Sophia, one of our specialist Child Sexual Abuse workers, that she was able to process what had happened to her. Today, Saskia is a mum, she is just about to start a degree in Criminology, and she is volunteering with us in her free time.
Invading privacy
Invading privacy
As a child, Saskia was groomed and sexually exploited online by a network of criminals. Her abuser targeted her through her YouTube account, posing as another young person to gain her trust. They asked about her day, showed an interest in her. Saskia thought that she had found someone she could feel safe with.
But over time, what seemed like friendship became increasingly abusive. Saskia was sexually exploited, videos of her recorded without her knowledge and shared with a wider network of child abusers. She was 11 years old.
Quote
I sometimes wonder if the images of me are still out there.
Confusion
Saskia was confused, scared, and uncomfortable, but felt that she couldn’t talk to anyone about what had happened. She tried to forget it and move on. It was only when the police infiltrated the online network that had abused Saskia that she was referred to us and got the support she so badly needed.
The repercussion of the abuse and police investigation along with the normalisation of substance misuse within her family meant that Saskia turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with the pain she was experiencing, and a breakdown in the relationship with her mum led to her becoming homeless.
Road to recovery
The road to recovery
Saskia worked with one of our specialist project workers, Sophia, for three years. Her issues were very complex and layered. Finally, Saskia was able to recognise that she was a victim and that she was not to blame for what had happened.
Saskia and Sophia spent time getting to know one another, building a trusting relationship, and Saskia received support from our other services, too.
Recovery
It was very much led by me in what we spoke about.
Today, life is very different for Saskia and her family. She has her children, and she is on the pathway to starting a degree in Criminology. For Saskia, her children give her the strength to keep going and to constantly strive to better herself so she can be a positive role model for them.
“I get my strength from them. Before I had them, there wasn't really enough to fight for long term. Since I got pregnant, it's been just constant, you can never give up the fight."
Thanks to the child-centred support we provided, Saskia is now taking on her future with confidence – and your generosity helped make that possible.
If The Children’s Society didn’t exist, I would have fallen through the net.
Donate today
Every year, thousands of young people are groomed by criminals, their trust destroyed. That’s why The Children’s Society’s work is so important. The support we offer is individual and non-judgemental. We take the time to listen, to build trust, and to make sure every child feels heard. By giving a gift today, you’ll allow us to provide vital, life-changing support for children who have been exploited.
Together, we can make sure they never have to face life alone.
