Just A Child

"During late 2016, Jessica Jane and 2 of her fellow survivors of child sexual exploitation, presented their stories at 5 events across TACT. She spoke, for over an hour, recounting in powerful and vivid terms of the abuse that she, an "ordinary" girl from a loving family had experienced at the hands of various abusers. She made it clear to us all that she was a survivor, not a victim, as she recounted how she had got her life back together despite the threats of violence and repercussions.

Jessica Jane showed us how easy it is for evil men to pray on the vulnerabilities of teenage girls, the "grooming" that happens and made us appreciate that this type of abuse can happen to anyone and that the effects of it last a lifetime............and beyond into future generations, as well as impacting on the wider family.

She was a very passionate and captivating speaker, very brave, with an important message and certainly we at TACT, the UK's largest Fostering and Adoption Charity, benefitted enormously by hearing her testimony, and hopefully the 600+ children entrusted to our care will benefit also as a result of our staff and foster carers having listened to Jessica Jane"

Martin Clarke

Learning and developmant manager

"In order to avoid some of the failings that happened in Rotherham, Oxford and other parts of the UK and to prevent victims, families and communities suffering avoidable consequences it is essential that the Police learn from the mistakes.  One of the best ways to learn is to hear first- hand from survivors of Child Sexual Exploitation and Sammy's story is a powerful, hard hitting one delivered in an honest, forthright way that gives officers an opportunity to digest, reflect, understand and explore this complex area of policing."

Alison Fossey

Jersey Police

“We created a training film for the NHS to help staff identify victims of CSE.  We felt that helping the viewer understand the realities of being a victim of CSE would provide compelling testimony to reinforce the messaging throughout the film.  We were incredibly grateful to Sammy for agreeing to take part.  Hers was a truly shocking experience which is sadly all too typical in CSE cases.  At the time, she asked for her identity to be protected – a right she has subsequently waived.  We spent a few hours interviewing Sammy who shared her experience with humbling honesty.  She is able to articulate the full horror of her experience in a highly articulate way that engenders a desire for action rather than sympathy alone.   It’s clear to us that she wants others to learn lessons from her experience in the hope that she can help protect other potential victims.”

Lucy Critchlow

Business Development Director Dependable Productions

“I have known Sammy Woodhouse aka 'Jessica' for over two years now. Sammy is the survivor whose story ultimately led to Professor Jay's Inquiry into CSE in Rotherham which, in August 2014, reported that a conservative estimate of 1400 girls had been abused in Rotherham over a 16 year period. In 2016 I witnessed first-hand Sammy's bravery, as she endured a harrowing trial in court, which concluded with her abuser being sentenced to 35 years in prison. This trial set the tone for a remarkable response in Rotherham which, between February 2016 and May 2017, has seen 26 criminals convicted of sex crimes against children who are now serving a total of 360 years behind bars. Sammy has worked with the local authority to attract new funding of £3.1m into Rotherham, which enabled the development of a new provision run by Barnardo's to reduce the numbers of children who are vulnerable to CSE. I have also had the privilege of hearing Sammy speak about her ordeal, both as a child victim and now a survivor who has made a commitment to ensuring that awareness of the grooming process is heightened to reduce the risk of others being ensnared by the evil that is CSE. Sammy speaks with passion and anyone listening cannot help but reflect on their practice and make changes for the better..”

Ian Thomas

Strategic Director
Children and Young People's Service

“Bedfordshire Police are committed to identifying and investigating all areas of vulnerability and particularly CSE. However the first step in that journey is cultural change and for officers and staff to understand what CSE actually is. The experience and behaviours of some victims
is hard for staff to understand and identify the most suitable approaches to work with and safeguard them. Sammi’s input into our forcewide training days has been invaluable. Listening to her story, her honesty and courage has been unforgettable
for many and she has made a real different in our approach to protecting the most vulnerable in Bedfordshire.”

Dr Jacqueline
Sebire

T/Assistant
Chief Constable - Bedfordshire Police

“Sammy came to Walsall College to deliver educational talks to our students.
It was not only informative but hugely inspiring and touching.

A huge “Thank You” to Sammy for taking the time to educate our students.”

Luki Poonia

Deputy Safeguarding Lead