Child labelled ‘prostitute’ in council file – trial

The Manchester Evening News and BBC Manchester

A girl allegedly abused by a group of men was labelled a prostitute from the age of 10 by social services, a court has heard.

The alleged victim, referred to in court as Girl B and now in her 30s, said she had read in her Rochdale social services file that she had been picked up for loitering and prostitution.

‘Girl B’ alleged a social worker told her that after concerns were raised she had been ‘having sex with a number of Asian men’, Minshull Street Crown Court heard. “They said I was prostituting myself, is actually what the social worker said to me. It’s vile.”  Sex slaves are prostituted by their owners/handlers; it is involuntary. 

Girl B added: “I don’t remember them being concerned enough to do anything about it. They knew what was going on.”

Girl B also confirmed she has lodged a ‘claim’ against Rochdale council and ‘two criminal injuries claims’.

She rejected suggestions by lawyers for the accused that she was claiming she was abused to get compensation. She said it was not about money, but that she wanted Rochdale social services to “take responsibility”.

Minshull Street Crown Court has been told the accused were mainly either taxi drivers or market stall traders in the town. The girls were ‘passed around’ for sex before being ‘discarded’, it is alleged

The trial has been adjourned until 24 February.