31 March
Florence Eshalomi MP in her October debate on Girls and Gangs said: “we need to continue to listen to what young women and girls tell us.”
We are really pleased to share here one of our Consultant’s feedback on the debate. Abianda Consultants are young women who are using their lived experience to support services better respond to vulnerable young people.
“Thank you for trying to bring awareness to this. People think this is small – but this is a big issue, and indirectly it affects everyone. Thank you for your research – for you to know this stuff without living the life is really good. I feel better knowing a black female MP is talking about this.
I agree 100% young women and girls are overlooked. And young women aren’t just taking low-key roles in county lines – it’s growing. It can get so bad so quickly.
I was shocked to read there’s only six girls mentioned on the Gangs Matrix. That’s so wrong they don’t know how wide it is. And I think the Children’s Commissioner’s numbers are an underestimate too.
I think professionals should know that young women affected by gangs are more likely to have a care history. And girls in care know how to hide from professionals. Because professionals overlook girls, 100% there is a bigger risk of girls being exploited.
Some young women think that being known for dating a drug dealer will give them status. Some young women think that drug dealing themselves will give them status. But they’re just being exploited. Who put that idea in their head?
There’s so much more I want to say on this so that people understand how serious this issue is.
I want this to be discussed by all MPs, because they want to make a change, and if they knew what was going on in their communities, they’d all be doing something about this. This could be anyone’s daughter.”
To read the full transcript of the debate please click here.
We are really pleased to share here one of our Consultant’s feedback on the debate. Abianda Consultants are young women who are using their lived experience to support services better respond to vulnerable young people.
Open Consultant's Westminster Hall Debate.pdf
Comments