New Figures Reveal Alarming Rise in Girls and Young Women Falling Prey to County Lines Exploitation. Charities have sounded the alarm on a disturbing trend that suggests girls and young women are being woefully overlooked as victims of county lines exploitation. According to data from Catch22, a leading charity that provides support services for victims, girls and young women now make up 22% of its caseload, a stark increase from 15% the previous year. This 'gendered understanding' of crime, where services often fail to recognize the vulnerability of young females, is thought to be a major contributing factor to the rising numbers. As authorities grapple with the complexities of county lines exploitation, it's clear that a more nuanced approach is needed to protect these vulnerable individuals from the clutches of traffickers and gangs.
Charities suggest ‘gendered understanding’ of crime means services often fail to recognise girls and young women as victimsAn increasing number of girls are being identified as victims of county lines exploitation, figures have shown.Data from Catch22, the charity that provides the national county lines support service, said girls and young women formed 22% of its caseload in 2025, up from 15% the previous year. Continue reading...