Recent data reveals a concerning rise in the identification of girls and young women as victims of county lines exploitation, a trend that underscores the pressing need for a more inclusive understanding of this crime. According to Catch22, the charity responsible for managing the national county lines support service, female victims accounted for 22% of their cases in 2025, a significant increase from 15% in the prior year.
Understanding County Lines Exploitation
County lines refers to the criminal practice where gangs transport drugs from urban centres to rural areas, often employing vulnerable individuals—often minors—to facilitate their operations. This exploitation is frequently facilitated through dedicated mobile phone lines. Despite ongoing government efforts to combat this issue, including a dedicated programme launched in 2019 and continued under both Conservative and Labour administrations, the gender-related dynamics of victimisation remain poorly addressed.
Catch22 has highlighted that traditional views on criminal exploitation often overlook the experiences of girls and young women. Marike van Harskamp, the charity’s head of policy, emphasised the complexity of their involvement. “The prevailing perception is that criminal exploitation predominantly affects boys,” she stated. “This narrow understanding can lead to a lack of appropriate identification and support for female victims.”
Gendered Perspectives on Exploitation
The charity noted that while approximately 50% of boys referred to their services received assistance from the National Referral Mechanism—a government initiative aimed at supporting modern slavery victims—only about 16% of girls were similarly supported. This disparity points to a systemic issue where services fail to meet the needs of female victims adequately.
A particularly concerning trend is the “boyfriend model” of exploitation, which often mirrors patterns seen in child sexual exploitation. Girls may be groomed into believing they are entering a romantic relationship, only to be coerced into criminal activities, such as drug trafficking. Van Harskamp highlighted that this form of exploitation is not only a crime but a violation of children’s rights, noting, “We see children as young as seven being groomed. Framing this as child abuse is critical.”
Government Actions and Ongoing Challenges
In response to the rising threat of county lines, law enforcement agencies reported a record number of disruptions in 2025, with 2,740 county lines closed, 1,657 gang leaders charged, and 961 knives seized. The government has pledged over £34 million to bolster its county lines programme this year. However, van Harskamp insists that despite these successes, much work remains.
The pathway to exploitation often begins on social media platforms like Snapchat, where gangs target individuals who display additional vulnerabilities, such as mental health issues, substance misuse, or unstable living conditions. “Identifying risks early is crucial,” she warned. “The mental health impacts of exploitation can be profound and enduring, leading to a cycle of vulnerability and abuse.”
Det Supt Dan Mitchell, who oversees the national county lines coordination centre, affirmed that addressing this issue remains a paramount concern for police. “As the tactics of county lines gangs evolve, so must our strategies. We are dedicated to dismantling high-harm networks and protecting those at risk,” he stated.
Why it Matters
The escalating involvement of girls and young women in county lines exploitation is not just a statistic; it represents a societal failure to protect the most vulnerable. This issue calls for a paradigm shift in how we understand and address criminal exploitation. By acknowledging the unique experiences of female victims and implementing targeted support systems, we can begin to dismantle the structures that allow such exploitation to persist. The implications extend beyond immediate safety concerns, impacting long-term mental health and social mobility, thus necessitating comprehensive strategies that prioritise the rights and well-being of all children.
