Violated: A Shocking and Harrowing Survival Story from the Notorious Rotherham Abuse Scandal

by Sarah Wilson

The shocking first true account from one of the young girls who lived through and survived the Rotherham sex abuse scandal.

In the summer of 2014, the Rotherham sex abuse scandal sent shockwaves through the nation. A report revealed that, since the 1990s, up to 1,400 young girls in the town had been regularly abused by sex gangs, predominantly comprised of Pakistani men. As the media descended on the small Yorkshire town, Sarah Wilson watched with horror and relief as her voice was finally heard after years of abuse.

Sarah was just eleven years old when she was befriended by a group of older men. Bullied at school, naive and vulnerable, the gifts and attention they lavished on her were what she craved, she just wanted to belong. But soon she was hooked on alcohol and drugs, and then they owned her. She was just twelve years old when she was bundled into a car by a man in his thirties and forced to have sex with him. Soon, the gang were driving her to places where she was raped by scores of men.

Falling through the system, from social services to school, no-one was able to help her. She ‘escaped’ when she became too old for the men at nearly sixteen.

Finally a victim of the Rotherham scandal tells her story in the hope that other young girls will not fall prey to the same evil that she endured.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Audiobook, Biography, Memoir, History, Crime

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 2, 2015

About the author

Sarah, or Angie as her friends call her, is originally from Bogota Colombia and has lived in Boston, Massachusetts for the last 20 years with her loving husband and sweet chihuahua, Nacho.

She had always aspired to pursue journalism in some way, but at the age of twenty-five she suffered a brain aneurysm and massive stroke, which caused her to lose verbal and physical function temporarily on her left side.

She is an AVM (Arteriovenous malformation) survivor, skin cancer survivor, and legally blind. After experiencing so many life changing events, she decided to write a small collection of poetry to express the words she has held in her heart and soul all these years.

The way she feels and sees the world has changed over the years dramatically, but her views on life, love, friendship, sadness, and loss, have made her a new and improved version of the woman she always wanted to be.

Reviews

[Paul Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to begin. It’s hard to think of a story more toxic than this one in modern Britain. It practically confirms every damaging stereotype you ever had about the underclass, about men, about Muslim men, about social workers, about the police, about humanity. Last year a government report came out about this scandal (Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Exploitation in Rotherham (1997 – 2013 by Professor Alexis Jay)
and the whole town council resigned, followed by the police commissioner. 1400 girls abused by gangs of British Asian paedophiles over a 16 year period. It doesn’t bear thinking about. But think about it we must.

WHAT IS IT WITH SOME MEN?

I read this survivor’s account of the infamous (and ongoing) Rotherham scandal in the week that Edward Heath, former Conservative prime minister of this country, who died in 2006, was publicly accused of raping a boy and is being posthumously investigated for child abuse by four different police forces.

A year ago the fallout from the Jimmy Saville scandal was in full swing – one aged pop figure after another was being busted for rapes and assaults they could hardly remember from the 1970s and 1980s. Gary Glitter – well, you knew he was a nonce,
he went regularly to Vietnam to buy ten year olds.

But Rolf Harris?? (I have Sun Arise on my iPod). Well, he ended up being found guilty of 12 counts of indecent assault & given 5 years (at age 84) and sent to HMP Stamford. His crimes were committed in the 1980s against girls aged 14 and 16. (Currently Bill Cosby is in the spotlight for similar crimes - one victim being 15 at the time – this is not a British thing, this is a male sexuality thing.)

At the same time as this there was the initially weird and incomprehensible child sex grooming thing going on. It turned out that gangs of men were grooming – the new word of the day – children to become their sexual playthings. And this was happening in various places. Rotherham became the most famous case but there was Derby, Oxford, Bristol, Telford…

So what men and what children? How long had this been going on? And about a hundred other questions. The official language was evasive, uncertain, tiptoeing around in generalisations like “abuse” or “exploitation” or “groups of men” or “vulnerable youngsters”. It was hard to penetrate the murk. What the hell was all this about?
We finally got to understand that gangs of British Asian men, almost all from the Pakistani community, and therefore all Muslims, were recruiting young girls by the simple expedient of buying them lots of liquor and drugs (cocaine, speed, ecstasy).

The girls were from the lowest reaches of the working class, where it becomes the underclass. They were the runaways, the out of control estate kids, the ones who give the teacher a smack and get suspended once a month. Their parents were either working two jobs and were not around much or zoned out on the rancid sofa in front of a white noise tv with a half bottle of vodka. The girls were between 11 and 16. When they got to age 16 the Asian guys edged them out, too old, been there and done that.

CULTURAL PAEDOPHILIA: AN INESCAPABLE FASCINATION WITH UNDERAGE GIRLS

It’s evident for all to see – this week I am reading about the “indie movie of the year” called The Diary of a Teenage Girl (she’s 17 and sleeping with her mum’s boyfriend) ; okay, maybe 17 is a little old, so how about Hick by Andrea Portes (she’s 13 and she’s gonna have sex with somebody soon); I read the biography of Jerry Lee Lewis and noted that he married his 13 year old cousin. And we never forget Dolores Haze, who haunts our world of high literature, little Lolita (and look what happened to her – everyone thought she seduced Humbert, because that’s what he said she did). But see how Juliet in Shakespeare was 13 which never fazes anyone. (The Nurse says she’s nearly 14). Well, maybe it doesn’t matter because she didn’t get to have sex. Oh hey, check out the cover of Led Zeppelin’s Houses of the Holy and Blind Faith’s one and only album. Don’t think they would get past front office now.

& while you're at it, check out Nicole’s story in Mailer’s The Executioner’s Song for a brilliant harrowing no frills no comedy American story of underage horror.

THE SOCIAL WORKERS AND THE POLICE : WATCHDOGS THAT DON'T BARK

Police and social workers in Oxfordshire had a tainted perception that girls as young as 11 consented to sex with men who raped and brutalised them, an independent report into the failure to stop their exploitation has said…..professionals blamed the girls, the report said; police and social services were gripped with the mindset that they were “very difficult” girls who had come to harm as a result of their own actions.

(from an account of the similar case in Oxford)


The social workers who you may think should have taken notice of all these kids being put in danger were completely cynical towards the girls and fearful of appearing racist if they brought it to anyone’s attention, because the abusers were all British Asian. The police were – perhaps more understandably – also cynical towards the girls as many of them had been reported as runaways dozens of times by their parents and had turned up a few days later (having spent the time in a cocaine blur having sex with dozens of men, all these girls being under 16, many of them 12 and 13, many of the Asian men in their 30s or 40s).

I would dearly like to read a social worker view of this scandal. I cannot believe the one-dimensional view of them you get in this book and all the associated press reports. And yet, the evidenace, and their silence, is very damning.

And you know, even if the social workers or police had tried to be kind and helpful to the girls they would have got a barrage of foulmouthed insults in return; the girls were hooked on the booze, drugs and the lifestyle of constant male attention. They put up with the sex as an unpleasant concomitant. Like love and marriage, cocaine and sex – you can’t have one without the other.

The toxicity of this scandal can be seen in the racist stereotypes involved here : the racist parts of white society will be confirmed in their contempt of Muslims; but these Muslim men’s contempt for white society was also clearly exposed. Would they do this to Asian girls? Of course not. But these white girls were slags.

CREDIBILITY

This book comes at you like any one of the other five hundred misery memoirs you can find in a good bookshop or even a bad one. But this time it’s different. No other victim of this huge scandal has spoken before so this was the view from within. It’s astonishingly ugly. Don’t read it if you have the slightest optimism about human nature.
It’s written in the same blanded-out bargain basement journalese e.g.

Mum didn’t know I was taking drugs, but by now she was aware that I was drinking and smoking all the time and she could see me spiralling out of control. It must have been like watching a car crash in slow motion, but honestly I felt like I was having the time of my life.

The reader has to accept things which frankly boggle – I will mention two. This girl from the age of 12 to 15 was taking large amounts of drugs and drinking heavily every other day and every weekend, and was being gang raped every weekend. For four years. But she did not become ill, did not get pregnant, did not catch a disease and did not overdose. Can a young body stand that kind of punishment? Second : on several occasions groups of Asian guys were outside her house demanding she come out to them and threatening to burn the house if she didn’t. (Inside the house her mother was preventing her from leaving, they were having many big fights.) Can gangs of guys stand on the public pavement of a town and threaten to burn down a house and the police say they’re too busy to respond ?

We have learned to believe victims, it’s an article of faith in the caring professions. Unfortunately we remember the Satanic Ritual Abuse craze, which was fervently believed in by large parts of the social work community, and turned out to be a figment of the imagination. So, as they say, credibility : it's complicated.

THE CONFLICTED VICTIM

Throughout the book you can sense acutely how conflicted Sarah was – she was a victim, no, this was her choice; she loved the parties and the drugs, no she hated the constant sex which went along with that; she longed to get out of this horrible lifestyle, no she was afraid to because if she was out, where would the drugs and booze come from? Plus she had no other friends. She despised the social workers for not helping her, but if they tried she would have told them to fuck off.

The grooming was a casual thing. For maybe a year, i.e. until she was 12, the Asian guys did not pressure to have sex. They took her and her mate to various grotty houses where a lot of alcohol & drugs were consumed which they supplied. This girl was slugging vodka and snorting cocaine at 12 on an every other day basis. After a year, then the pressure to sleep with numerous men began, but in a way it was self-generating because this girl just saw other girls including her friend sleeping with these guys and it became entirely normalised.

It’s amazing that Sarah Wilson survived all this – I haven’t mentioned the further family tragedy which the last third of the book is all about, that would be way too much for one review to deal with. In St Luke’s gospel, Jesus says :

For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.
Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.

I wonder whether he was thinking of harrowing true stories like this one. But I'm glad it's now been proclaimed from the housetops.

[Fiona MacDonald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Horrific and tragic. I was amazed as I read to realize that the author's sister was Laura Wilson, Britain's first white honor killing victim, so it gave the book even more poignancy. Very well written, detailed and insightful but never shying away from the facts of how over 1,400 young girls were groomed and sexually molested in Rotherham by a group of Asian paedophiles.

[Tumpi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a tough one....while I felt really sorry for what the author and her family went through...i was happy that the book was finally over. The details of child abuse, drug abuse, judiciary failure was just a lot for me to take. Anyone taking this book up, please think twice, the content is too difficult to read

[Charlie B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes fact is more powerful than fiction. This book is proof of that and was one of the most powerfully emotional books I have ever read. For those of us that have escaped trauma and tragedy in our lives this is like an insight into the dark world that others have endured. It will take you into a place where fear rules, and that fear is directed at those who are most vulnerable in our society, children. You may not feel that this is a book you wish to read, well you should. Its not sensationalist its truth as told by someone who found herself in a world from which she could see no way out.
Sarah survived that place, she also survive3d a family tragedy that has as much place in this story as its main theme. She lost those magic years are such a short part of our lives, our teens, but she found a resilience that is beyond belief to struggle on with her life when she probably thought, 'whats the point'
I commend this book to everyone to read for its the story of many young girls who are constantly let down by those who are there to protect them. There but for, ....goes your daughter.

[Chris Steeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘A figure appeared in the doorway, but he was just a silhouette, the latest in the line of faceless men who’d come to me that night. Was he the sixth or the seventh? I’d lost count. The man said nothing as he writhed around on top of me, only grunting a little. I was too scared to tell him he was being too rough. How could I say that to him? After all, they kept telling me it was all my fault. I was a little slag, they said, I was white trash. I’d brought it all upon myself so this was what I deserved: to lie on a dirty, lumpy mattress, awaiting a never-ending queue of men, all old enough to be my dad’.

This is from a 13-year-old girl. Heartbreaking, absolutely heartbreaking and brutally honest.

The scenario though, is a typical one. Broken family in one of the poorest areas in Western Europe where the mother has to work all hours just to feed and clothe her children. This leaves the children alone to do stuff like drinking and drug taking without the mother knowing.

When Sarah is writing the book, there is a pivotal moment where she wishes she did not leave the pub with a new friend. You just want to shout at the book and tell her not to do it like she would have done while writing it. You know she will leave the pub and she does. At this point she is 11 years old. She is vulnerable and someone telling her she is pretty flatters her. There is pressure as well from the new friend and all becomes clear why later in the book when Sarah finds herself in exactly the same position. From this point it all spirals out of control. The grooming begins ‘I was completely and utterly oblivious to the fact that a gang of predatory paedophiles was slowly tightening its grip on my life, getting me hooked on the booze and drugs I couldn’t buy myself. The booze and drugs that I would soon rely on them for’.

It makes you sick to the stomach, it really does, reading this. This ‘gang of paedophiles’ would actually hang outside the primary school when the kids are leaving for the day. Can you believe this? She is absolutely dependent on the gang. She needs the drink and drugs. She has no idea that she is not in control of the situation. It is not just the drink and drugs. There is the threat that they will petrol bomb the house with the family in if she does not cooperate. There are many incidents that you just cannot believe happen.

Just over halfway through it turns to her sister, Laura’s, story. I was not prepared for this. I read reviews on Goodreads after I have read a book so had no idea what was coming. Suffice to say it is not good. In-fact it is horrendous. Just awful. What this family has been through is incredible.

I could have sat and read this book from start to finish if I had the time. I wish Sarah all the very best for the future. You have done an amazing thing by bringing this book out. Be strong.

[Lucii Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly powerful. And for someone to write down what they have experienced and endured is truly heroic and brave.

It was a hard read, but at the same time I gobbled up these pages, with my heart thumping painfully and tears behind my eyes. Sarah Wilson has brought her story to light, the whole painful truth of it. I knew about the Rotherham scandal, I remember it on the news, I’ve watched documentaries and dramas created for telling the stories of girls who were targeted and exploited. But none of that comes close, emotions wise, to this story, this heartbreaking memoir.

Sarah Wilson went into graphic detail in what she experienced, so can be an extremely hard read for anyone who has been through it. But I think this book being released, this story being told, can help others speak out about their experience.

The police, social services and the council did nothing in protecting these girls, nothing to bring justice to the 1,400 girls who were groomed. Sarah highlights these facts near the end of the story and the social services uselessness throughout the book.

Massive kudos to Sarah’s mum for sticking by her through everything that happened and helping her get her story across.

RIP to Laura, Sarah’s little sister, who tragically lost her life in an ‘honour killing’. That was so hard to read and I felt every single emotion through the words.

A truly harrowing read, and will pull at your heart strings. It’s definitely worth reading!!

[The Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reality can be darker than fiction and more painful with lasting ties. People often hide themselves from the horrors around them because it’s too difficult to deal with. This is a frank well thought out retelling of the exploitation of a young underage girl by those who should have known better. All while ignored by those in authority who should have been protectors or even taken steps to stop these horrific crimes. In brutal yet cleaned up honesty, Sarah, reveals the years she was abused by many multiples of pedophiles. The challenges that her family as well as herself faced while she was being trafficked throughout the country and the secondary abuse by the very system that was supposed stop it and protect her. This is an emotionally difficult story to read because of the subject, yet it needs to be told so people become aware that this does happen. Awareness, knowledge and just as importantly action and accountability may help to save/rescue other children or those at risk from such a life.

[Mary Baldwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somehow the issues with abuse in Rotherham totally passed me by. This account from Sarah Wilson is utterly terrifying and brutally honest. It might seem like a tragic choice for a weekend read, but if you want to see how attitudes in the police force and local community can perpetuate illegal activities- then this is a good start. It's hard to believe what some young people go through, and Sarah shares her experiences in a frank and genuine way. A brave book that is well written, I was surprised at how readable it was. It looks like Sarah has found her way in the world and that's the best thing that can come out of a story like this!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hesitant to read this book because I have read news reports about the topic of grooming of young girls by Asian men (a PC way to refer to Muslims from Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc) to rape, abuse, and then pass them around to other Asian men, because I find the topic to be extremely unpleasant. Violated: The Shocking True Story of a Rotherham School Girl by Sarah Wilson, is actually someone who went through this grooming and rape. She finally escaped with help from a Muslim who was angry about what others were doing to girls as young as 11, as was the case for the author. When the police were called about the reports of rapes and other abuse, they were concerned with being perceived as racist or Islamophobic so they found it easier to to blame the victims as wild kids, runaways, and even sluts who knew what they were doing...these are, again, girls as young as 11! Many mothers quickly learned to not bother calling the police as it was a waste of time. Since the 1990's as many as 1,400 young girls were pulled into this system and abused by these sex gangs made up of men in their late twenties, thirties, forties, and fifties, most of them married with successful careers. The girls were generally from broken homes and families and were easy targets for these professional groomers who understood that a little kindness and praise as well as drugs and alcohol would usually get the girls hooked. Then threats of violence to these girls or their families kept them compliant. The author noted that when girls reach 17-18 years old they were generally discarded and considered too old and used up as was her case when she was just 16; they were quickly replaced by new younger girls. The stories and the details of the abuse are quite shocking and are in line with news reports. The author was compelled to write and publish her story so that other girls might be warned and avoid being taken in by these rape gangs. She shares the tragic consequences to other members of her family. If you are inclined to disbelief that this actually happens, you need to read this girl's personal account of what is still going on!

[AJ Foiret · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, yet vivid account of the horrific abuse she went through at the hands of the Rotherham abusers. I thank her for telling her story.

We all must take the time to listen to abuse survivor's stories and believe them. We must act against the perpetrators when we see/hear this is happening and fight to ensure the kids in our own communities are safe.

It sickens me that so many of the abusers still walk free.

Also even though I know the police, social services, and council in Rotherham did nothing about the wide scale abuse, (which affected a staggering number of girls and teenagers - around 1,400), I just can't believe that it really happened. How could men and women go to bed at night knowing they were covering this up? How could hundreds in the community turn a blind eye? Or even blame the girls for this?! There's no words to describe it. If the authorities had nipped it in the bud thousands of girls could have been spared this evil. They should be in prison too for aiding paedaphilia.

I hope Sarah is living a good life with her son, niece, and mum.

I hope other Rotherham survivors are too.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recall listening to the news on TV in regards to what went on in Rotherham and was disgusted in what I was hearing. When I noticed this book being sold in the local bookstore, I just had to read it. I also saw Sarah Wilson on Loose Women not so long ago. Nothing surprises me where social services, the police, councils etc are concerned. My late son's partner was a victim of a paedophile ring when she 9 yrs old (now in her late 20's). Sadly there are other places around the UK where this goes on. I am just glad that Sarah Wilson had the strength to start a new life, just as my late son's partner did.

[Mamdouh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Horrific, terrifying and true story that scares the hell out of me as a father, sometimes I do wonder why I can see racism alive and well around in Britain but reading this book helped me understand (not that I agree) but if these events happened in pakistan or my home country egypt by an ethnic minority they would've been chasing the entire race in the streets hunting them down

Someone needs to do something and the author of this book did her bit in spite of everything she's been through, what else can everybody do in the UK and everywhere else to protect children??!!

[Dan Wilkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have to give it 5 stars just out of respect to the people who have suffered so much, both involved in this particular story, and those out there who's stories are still untold.
Its well written and gripping, but many of the events are quite emotional and disturbing. Our country has, and continues, to fail to adequately protect its youth, and the fallout is too often swept under a rug, ignored, or forgotten. it could be that efforts to be politically correct, have shifted too much focus away from simply being correct?

[Barbara Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harrowing

How this type of systematic abuse was.allowed.to, and still allowed to, continue beggars belief. If ever there needed to be a new investigation into why societal cultural sensitivity was so high that it allowed this abuse to go unchecked and unpunished, it is now!!! This abuse continues in towns across the UK to this day, it has to stop, it has to be punished and cultural sensitivity abolished

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something terrible happened in Rotherham to a lot of children. Despite this, authorities were slow to act, but quick to blame everybody else including the victims. The abuse most likely continues to this day. A few years ago I read a book about systematic generational child sexual abuse by men on Pitcairn Island. Until that book I had thought that child Sexual abuse was individualised, something like bad luck, a bad person, oppurtunity and bad timing cumulating together to create a single or repeat event(s) involving one child and one perpetrator. What I have since learned is that there is collusion between groups of like minded men that creates a dangerous and evil sub culture quietly humming along in the background, and that most of us are completely unaware of its existence.
What I have learned from reading a number books specifically covering the British child sex grooming gangs is that somehow some of these women survive this extreme abuse, but what I have never got a grasp on is the mentality and culture of the men who think it’s perfectly OK to do this. The complete disregard/disrespect/contempt for the female sex, and the culture/background/thought processes that fosters these beliefs in some men, that females and children are worthless, that this treatment of them is acceptable because of whatever lie they want to tell themselves (their skirts were too short, they were sluts, they wanted it, somebody else wasn’t protecting them so they deserved it, they were out after X time, They were out alone, they were drunk). Additionally, this is not just about men getting sex - this is sex with children - if it was just about sex they could have easily received it through usual avenues of girlfriends, wives, mistresses or prostitutes - but these men were driven by their lust for children - shown by their haste in dropping the girls once they reach 16-18 years. I guess even if I were to read a book by the abusers Themselves I would still never ever understand.
Unlike the other recent books I read (Girl A and Just a child) Sarah has never come forward and prosecuted the Individuals who abused her. She has not provided statements to police. I hope that changes in the future, and that other victims will come forward (as much as I understand their need to leave their past behind) and somewhere along the line, somebody has to figure out a way to get to these kids before these abusers do - and police, social workers, school teachers and parents all need to be trained in what to look for to help children get out of or avoid this abuse. Thanks to sarah for writing this book and her TV appearances that help us all to understand and maybe even help.

[Gaby Born · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rating system isn’t a reflection of the context of the story, but after reflecting on it afterwards it’s a story that just needs to be read, shared and told.

As heartbreaking, detailed and possibly triggering for some readers hearing about childhood rape, alcohol and drug abuse I encourage you all to read it. I actually think it should be required reading, particularly in schools; since young girls around thirteen are most vulnerable.

I actually watched a documentary on the Rotherham sex scandal after reading this book and it was heartbreaking to hear that despite being nine years on; 17% have already come forwards out of the 1400 victims, girls are still getting trafficked to this day. The same paedophiles are still on the streets in their taxis, and some have actually gotten permission by the court to look after children. What’s worse is despite everything the victims have gone through; the law is still against them and some have ended up with a criminal record for things they had todo while under their predators spell; which now limits them getting a job, providing for themselves and being independent and free. The reason I bring that up is because there’s barely any media coverage on the issue now, but it’s still not over. Another thing that was interesting being educated on mentioned in the book was about honour killings; both in the uk and globally. These are issues we really need to be aware of and talk about.

I applaud Sarah for having the bravery to share her story with us and to come forward and giving a voice for those couldn’t be heard

[Shahrun · Rating 4 out of 5]

In recent years I am ashamed to admit I have become somewhat immune to the repeated shocking tales of abuse that keep being presented in the news (almost non-stop it seems). It seems so wide spread I’ve become numb to it. So when my friend gave me this book and told me to read it, I was reluctant. I can only try to imagine the courage Sarah has to be able to share her story of years of horrific abuse. What’s even more shocking than what the perpetrators did to her was the complicity of the people who should have been protecting her and failed so completely. That is the worse part for me, that those who had the power to stop it made a conscious decision not to!!!! That is seriously fucked up. The shocks just kept on coming. You wild assume that life had shit on her enough, then her family is struck down once more. I really admire the fact that she repeatedly reminds us to separate her abusers from honest & innocent Pakistanis and Muslims. You almost couldn’t blame some one in her shoes to forget that part. I really hope that as time goes by Sarah and her family can find joy and happiness. I wish her and her family all the best for the future.

[Alicia Lovely · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was based on Sarah Wilson’s experiences growing up in my own home town, Rotherham and being sexually exploited by Asian grooming gangs.
It is a difficult but necessary read to understand what the victims of such grooming gangs went through and how their cries for help were ignored by the ones who were meant to protect them. No one has ever been made accountable for what happened to thousands of girls and many abusers and individuals in a position of trust, have got away with far too much.
It doesn’t feel correct to say that this book is a good read because it is utterly heart breaking and provokes so many angry feelings and emotions, learning about what was happening in your local parks and supermarket car parks. However I feel very proud of Sarah for telling her story.

[Sally Hustwick]

Harrowing.
For all those who say ‘why don’t the parents just keep them in’ or ‘what were the parents thinking’ read this. A strong willed groomed teenager is impossible to control, and this book, without sugar coating tells of the repercussions.
Sarah Wilson is a survivor who deserves to be applauded

[Nicola Threlkeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly shocking story, bravely told

Such an horrific story of a survivor. Sarah is open in her account of the atrocities that occurred to lots herself and other children in Rotherham. No child should be unprotected or let down by the authorities and I hope that lessons have been learned.

[Pascale · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I know at times my story has been uncomfortable to read, but thank you for doing so, no matter how shocked and disgusted you might have been along the way. You’ve already done more than the vast majority of the people who were supposed to look after me because you’ve listened. You’ve helped me find my voice and for that I am truly grateful.” <3

[dayle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disturbing read

As a mother I found this book really difficult to read but it was so well written I just had to find out what happened. Please read with caution as it is a very difficult story

[sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Such a strong woman who has been through so much in such a short life. I hope writting rhis book brought you a sense of relief. From one survivor to another....I am proud!!!

[Matt Birley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply moving brilliant book.

While reading I cried tears of sorrow, laughter and anger. We are all responsible but we must wake up and come together so that we can make a difference.

[LAURA JONES · Rating 4 out of 5]

most of us heard the Rotherham scandal so its interesting to read about the true story of a victim of this it is a sad tale which keeps begging the question why did no one realise what was going on? a terrifying story of control and abuse

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very powerful read. How someone could write all that they have gone through is so brave and heroic.

This was a hard read, but I read this book so fast with my heart thumping and tears in my eyes.

[Karen Appleyard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A harrowing, but compelling read.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Crazy book. Hard to believe this stuff really goes on. Very sad

[Mrs V · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shocking

Shocking, painful & harrowing is the story of this strong amazing young women. A must read. The world must know

[sonia lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wos

You are truly an inspection to young people that have been though abuse and came out the other side x