Prey

Cassie's traumatic experiences of abuse and exploitation are revealed in Prey, highlighting systemic failures and the resilience of those who help her escape.

In Prey, the harrowing journey of a young girl named Cassie unfolds against the backdrop of systemic failures in child protection. Following the death of her mother from a degenerative illness, Cassie, only thirteen, becomes increasingly vulnerable to the predatory behaviors of men in her community. Groomed since the age of eleven, she finds herself ensnared in a web of abuse, desperately seeking companionship but instead falling victim to a cycle of exploitation that spirals out of control. The narrative poignantly illustrates how she fell through the cracks of a care system that was supposed to protect her.

The book details the shocking realities of Cassie's experiences as gangs of men manipulate her with alcohol and drugs, ultimately leading to her being passed around like an object. It captures the disturbing indifference of those around her, highlighting the failure of society to intervene in her plight. For years, Cassie endures unimaginable degradation, feeling utterly lost. However, the story takes a hopeful turn when a compassionate social worker and a dedicated local policeman step in, becoming her lifeline and guiding her towards recovery.

In 2016, Cassie's story culminates in a landmark trial that exposes the scale of child sexual exploitation in the UK, leading to the conviction of 17 men. Since the jailing of her abusers, significant improvements in child safeguarding policies have emerged, ensuring that vulnerable children like Cassie are less likely to fall prey to similar fates again. Prey serves as both a heartbreaking account and a call to action for better protection of children.