Recent data reveals a troubling trend: an increasing number of girls and young women are being recognised as victims of county lines exploitation across the UK. According to Catch22, a charity that administers the national county lines support service, females accounted for 22% of its caseload in 2025, a significant rise from 15% the previous year. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for a re-evaluation of how services perceive and address the issue of exploitation, particularly in regard to gender dynamics.
Gender Perceptions in Criminal Exploitation
The data from Catch22 indicates that the prevailing “gendered understanding” of criminal exploitation often leads to the misidentification of girls and young women as victims. Marike van Harskamp, the charity’s head of policy, pointed out that while approximately half of the boys referred to the county lines service received assistance through the National Referral Mechanism—a government initiative aimed at aiding modern slavery victims—only about one in six girls were similarly supported.
Van Harskamp emphasised the complexities surrounding the experiences of young women in this context. “For girls to become involved in child criminal exploitation, we know there is a bit more complexity in their experience and that there are overlapping issues going on,” she stated. One prevalent method of exploitation is the so-called “boyfriend model,” where young women are groomed under the guise of a romantic relationship, only to be coerced into criminal activities such as transporting drugs and money.
Government Response and Support Initiatives
In response to the growing crisis, the government has focused on dismantling county lines operations. Recent statistics reveal that in 2025, police closed 2,740 county lines, charged 1,657 gang leaders, and seized 961 knives. Additionally, over £34 million is earmarked for the county lines programme this year, indicating a firm commitment to tackling this issue.
Despite these efforts, van Harskamp cautioned that significant challenges remain. “Our service sees children as young as seven being groomed,” she noted, reinforcing the notion that county lines exploitation should be framed as a form of child abuse. “The earlier the risk is identified, the better,” she added, highlighting the long-term psychological impacts on victims, which can perpetuate cycles of exploitation.
The Role of Social Media in Grooming
The dynamics of county lines grooming have evolved, with social media platforms like Snapchat becoming increasingly prevalent in the recruitment process. Gangs often target individuals who are already vulnerable due to various factors, such as mental health issues, care experience, or unstable educational environments.
“What else is going on in their life that makes them more vulnerable to abuse?” van Harskamp questioned, stressing the need to understand the broader context in which these young people find themselves. The link between poor mental health and limited educational or employment opportunities poses further risks, necessitating tailored mental health support for victims of exploitation.
Ongoing Law Enforcement Efforts
Detective Superintendent Dan Mitchell, who heads the national county lines coordination centre, affirmed that combating this issue remains a “top priority” for law enforcement agencies nationwide. He noted, “As county lines gangs’ methods evolve, our policing approach does too.” The commitment to pursue high-harm county lines and disrupt the activities of violent drug dealers is crucial in efforts to safeguard children and vulnerable adults.
Why it Matters
The rising incidence of girls and young women being recognised as victims of county lines exploitation signals a critical juncture in how society understands and addresses the issue. As the landscape of criminal exploitation becomes increasingly complex, urgent reforms are needed to ensure that all victims are identified and supported effectively. Failing to address these gender disparities not only perpetuates cycles of abuse but also undermines the broader societal commitment to safeguarding our youth. Investing in targeted interventions and mental health support is essential to break this cycle and restore life chances for those affected.
