A survivor of a brutal gang rape has expressed frustration after failing to receive a response from the Safeguarding Minister, Jess Phillips, following correspondence sent “months” ago.
Speaking on GB News, Ellie Reynolds detailed her harrowing experience: “I was subjected to a series of rapes by multiple men in Cumbria, Barrow-in-Furness. This began with being kidnapped off the streets during the day and involved being drugged and held captive in flats and takeaways over a period of five years. It truly felt like a living nightmare.”
Reynolds recounted that childcare workers became aware of the situation and documented her case as one involving Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE), attempting to investigate. She initially sought help from the police in March 2018, but was subsequently arrested and faced a three-year legal battle before being acquitted.
“It felt like I was silenced by the authorities,” she stated. “If they had listened sooner, it might have been stopped. It took multiple victims for action to be taken, and even now, many remain unheard.”
She noted that authorities recently expressed interest in reopening her case following a successful conviction related to her abusers, but questioned the delay: “It shouldn’t have taken this long – seven years is an unacceptable timeframe. I feel as though reaching out for help put me at greater risk and provided no protection whatsoever.”
Reynolds further expressed disappointment and a lack of faith in institutions, citing numerous denials and instances across the country. She felt that the five recommendations made were ultimately misleading.
“It feels like a torch full of lies,” she said. “There’s still so much potential for other victims to be harmed if this isn’t addressed.”
She also highlighted concerns about the role of racial factors in her case, stating: “It’s not about politics or race; it’s about protecting children from abuse – a focus that seems absent from many politicians and authorities.”
According to Reynolds, the motivation behind her abusers was likely rooted in power dynamics. “I don’t believe for one second they valued or respected young white girls.”
The ordeal significantly impacted her mental health and altered her appearance. “Being accused of something I didn’t do for three years took a tremendous toll,” she explained.
She added, “I was raised to respect authority, but now I won’t be raising my children that way.”
Key Concerns and Calls for Action:
- Lack of responsiveness from authorities, particularly the Safeguarding Minister.
- Unacceptable delays in investigating cases involving CSE victims.
- A system where reaching out for help can put victims at greater risk.
- Concerns that racial factors may influence responses to abuse cases.
- The need for increased support and belief of victims so others are encouraged to come forward.
Reynolds concluded with a plea: “People must start taking victims seriously, because we’ve endured hell. The more we’re dismissed or mocked, the less likely other survivors will be to speak out.”
Despite her struggles, she remains committed to raising awareness and advocating for others:
“I want to be that voice for them and I will always be that voice as long as I’m breathing.”
Today, Reynolds focuses on advocacy, supporting other survivors, and cherishing the chance to live a life she once thought unattainable. “I take every day as a blessing because I’m out of it, raising awareness for the people who are too afraid to speak up.”
