Girls and Young Women Fall Prey to County Lines Exploitation at Increasing Rate, Data Reveals
A rising trend of girls and young women being identified as victims of county lines exploitation has emerged in recent data from a leading charity. According to Catch22, which provides the national county lines support service, girls and young women made up 22% of its caseload in 2025, marking a significant increase from the 15% recorded the year prior.
Charities are drawing attention to a perceived ‘gendered understanding’ of county lines crime, which may be contributing to the lack of recognition of girls and young women as victims. This gap in recognition is likely leading to inadequate services being offered to this vulnerable group, highlighting a pressing need for greater awareness and support.
County lines exploitation is a complex issue that involves the transportation of individuals, often under the threat of violence, from urban areas to rural locations for the purposes of drugs trafficking and other crimes. The charity’s findings indicate that the involvement of girls and young women is becoming increasingly prevalent.
Catch22’s data also highlights the severity of the issue, with a significant proportion of those affected being vulnerable or in need of care and support. This includes those who have experienced homelessness, been in contact with the child protection services, or have a history of child sexual exploitation.
Girls and young women who have fallen prey to county lines exploitation often face significant barriers to seeking help, including a lack of understanding and support from services. Charities emphasize the need for a more nuanced and informed approach to addressing this issue, one that takes into account the varied experiences and needs of all victims.
Addressing the root causes of county lines exploitation is essential to preventing further instances, and this must involve a comprehensive and collaborative approach from government agencies, law enforcement, and community organizations.
As the data continues to highlight the increasing involvement of girls and young women in county lines exploitation, it is crucial that policymakers and service providers prioritize their needs and develop targeted support initiatives to counteract this trend.
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