The latest figures from Catch22, a charity dedicated to supporting victims of county lines exploitation, reveal a troubling increase in the number of girls and young women identified as victims. In 2025, they constituted 22% of the charity’s caseload, a significant rise from 15% in the previous year. This alarming trend underscores a critical gap in the recognition and support services available for female victims, who often remain overlooked in discussions surrounding this form of criminal exploitation.
Increasing Awareness of Gender-Specific Issues
Catch22 has been at the forefront of efforts to combat county lines drug trafficking, a model in which gangs transport illicit substances from urban centres to rural areas, frequently coercing vulnerable individuals to assist in this criminal activity. The charity’s data indicates that gendered perceptions of crime have hindered the proper identification of girls as victims.
Marike van Harskamp, Catch22’s head of policy, emphasised that the prevailing narrative around county lines often centres on boys, which can lead to a lack of appropriate support for young women. “Part of the problem is that there is a very gendered understanding of criminal exploitation and county lines, that it only concerns boys,” she stated. “This often means girls are not properly identified.”
The pathways into exploitation for girls can be particularly complex. Van Harskamp highlighted the “boyfriend model,” where young women are groomed under the guise of a romantic relationship, only to find themselves ensnared in criminal activities, including drug trafficking. This parallels the dynamics of child sexual exploitation, where manipulation and coercion play a significant role.
Government Action and Statistics
The government’s strategy to tackle county lines has seen some success, with police disbanding a record number of these operations in the past year. In 2025 alone, authorities closed 2,740 county lines, charged 1,657 gang leaders, and seized 961 knives. This robust response is bolstered by a £34 million investment in the county lines programme, indicating a commitment to addressing the crisis.
However, van Harskamp warns that while the statistics reflect progress, there is still a pressing need for ongoing efforts. “Our service sees children as young as seven being groomed,” she noted. “It is vital to frame county lines exploitation as a form of child abuse, forcing children to do things they should never be doing.”
The Role of Social Media and Vulnerability
Gangs are increasingly using social media platforms, such as Snapchat, to groom young people, targeting those who exhibit additional vulnerabilities. “What else is going on in their life that makes them more vulnerable to abuse?” van Harskamp queried, citing factors like mental health issues, substance misuse, unstable living situations, and inadequate education.
The earlier these vulnerabilities are identified, the better the chances of preventing long-term harm. The mental health consequences of exploitation can be profound, often perpetuating a cycle of abuse that is challenging to escape.
“There needs to be specialist mental health aftercare for victims of exploitation,” van Harskamp asserted. “We know there is a relationship between poor mental health and not being in education, training, or employment. It has consequences for life chances and social mobility.”
Ongoing Commitment from Law Enforcement
Det Supt Dan Mitchell, head of the national county lines coordination centre, reiterated the commitment of police forces to tackle this pervasive issue. “As county lines gangs’ methods evolve, our policing approach does too,” he stated. “We remain committed to pursuing high-harm county lines and those controlled by violent drug dealers, so that we can prevent harm, protect children and vulnerable adults, and disrupt criminal activity.”
Why it Matters
The rising number of girls and young women becoming victims of county lines exploitation signals an urgent need for a more nuanced understanding of this issue. The intersection of gender, vulnerability, and criminal exploitation calls for tailored support services that address the specific needs of female victims. By recognising the complexities of these experiences, society can better equip itself to protect and empower young women, breaking the cycle of exploitation and paving the way for healthier futures.
