Sunday, 17 Nov 2024

Mum fears bullies will ‘ruin’ funeral of 12-year-old girl who claimed she was raped

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Semina Halliwell died on June 12 after spending four nights in hospital. Her heartbroken mum Rachel believes she was driven to taking her own life, after she was “bullied online on a daily basis” and had allegedly been raped.

The girl’s funeral will be held on July 23 and will be a “celebration of her life,” reports Liverpool Echo.

But Rachel is concerned bullies will gatecrash the service at St Patrick’s Church in Southport, Merseyside. 

Screenshots seen by Liverpool Echo appear to show someone who knew Semina telling Rachel they had been told they’d “get battered at the funeral” if they attended.

The message continued: “I’m scared to go.”

If these people ruin my daughter’s funeral I will be very upset

Rachel Halliwell

Speaking today, Rachel said: “If these people ruin my daughter’s funeral I will be very upset.

“After having her innocence taken, Semina was bullied online on a daily basis. She couldn’t take it any more.”

Semina’s tragic case was raised at a parliamentary committee last week, when Labour MP Apsana Begum asked Education Secretary Gavin Williamson what more can be done to help protect children from sexual harassment and abuse.

Ms Begum said: “I wanted to highlight the case of Semina who was 12 years old who disclosed that she’d been raped, and has committed suicide last week.”

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: “We can confirm we are investigating an allegation of rape in Southport in February this year.

“A report was received on 23 March that a 12-year-old girl had been raped at an address in Southport on 25 February.

“An investigation was launched and a juvenile has voluntarily attended a police station for interview.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

“Anyone who wants to report a rape or sexual offence allegation is asked to call 101 where you will be spoken to by specially trained officers, or you can pass information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“Support for victims is also available through the registered charity the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre Cheshire and Merseyside, who can be contacted on 01925 221 546 or 0330 363 0063 or Rape and Sexual Assault Merseyside (RASA) on 0151 558 1801.”

For help: PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults

Samaritans (116 123) or email [email protected] operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year

Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK

Source: Read Full Article

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