ESSEX Police and the Active Essex Foundation (AEF) have launched a pioneering pilot project designed to support girls and young women aged 11–24 in Basildon and Thurrock who are at risk of, involved in, or affected by criminal and sexual exploitation.

Under the Radar has been developed in response to growing concerns about the increasing involvement of girls in serious youth violence, drug‑driven crime and exploitation.

Despite these escalating risks, many girls remain unseen by traditional safeguarding processes, going 'under the radar' of agencies who may not identify them as victims, perpetrators, or individuals in need of early intervention. This new initiative aims to close that gap.

Under the Radar offers a holistic and trauma‑informed support package centred around the unique and often hidden experiences of exploited girls.

Dedicated 1‑to‑1 mentoring and wrap‑around support will help referred females access services, wellbeing activities, community organisations and inclusive opportunities for education, volunteering or employment and sporting interventions. Support can last up to 12 months, adapting to each young person's pace and readiness.

Essex Police will also deliver awareness sessions to help professionals, schools and community partners identify subtle signs of coercion, exploitation, domestic abuse and violence, sexual exploitation and criminal involvement among girls and young women.

Girls' exploitation by county lines gangs exploitation often goes unnoticed. They can be used for drug transportation, weapons storage, coercive relationships, debt bondage and sexual exploitation.

Many face shame, fear and guilt that prevents them from seeking help, and existing national services are often short‑term, under‑funded and not tailored to their specific vulnerabilities.

advertisement

Partner organisations shared presentations at the launch.

Under the Radar seeks to change this by ensuring girls are seen, supported, safeguarded and empowered with their voices heard and listened to.

Referrals can be made by Essex Police, Essex and Thurrock Children's and Adult Services, sexual health teams, adolescent and missing young people's teams. The programme enhances the offer rather than replaces existing services, offering additional specialist, gender‑informed support for girls.

Jennie Read, the force's Prevent and Protect Officer for Gangs and County Lines, said: "Young women and girls can be manipulated and lured into relationships and fall into criminal lifestyles they see no escape from. They can be exploited, feel powerless and have nobody to turn to for help.

"The girls can often be forgotten victims, and we are determined to help by offering specialist support to divert them away from danger towards a more positive future.

"We recognise that for some women and girls, experiences have led to a loss of trust and made it harder to seek help or report abuse and exploitation. We are committed to rebuilding that trust by ensuring every individual is treated with dignity, respect and without judgement.

"We want women and girls to feel confident in coming forward, knowing that they will be heard, listened to, supported and safeguarded particularly when reporting crimes against them. This work is about strengthening our response, improving understanding, and making sure that those affected feel safe and empowered to speak out."

"We need something that targets these young girls specifically, because there's nothing out there," said Nina Alleyne, Intervention Development Coordinator for Under the Radar.

"When you hear about drug-driven crime, you automatically think it's about boys – and it's not. Behind those boys, there is a structure, a system, underneath them. Unfortunately, it's the young girls."