Northamptonshire is expanding a specialist safeguarding programme for vulnerable girls after a six‑month pilot revealed that many at early risk of criminal exploitation are going unnoticed by services.
The new programme has been launched by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone, whose aim is to build a county where women and girls know their safety is a priority.
The Girls’ Pathway, developed in support of the county’s ambition to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG), was trialled between June and December 2025 through the jointly led Northamptonshire Police and OPFCC Youth Violence Intervention Unit (YVIU). It focused on girls who appear low to medium risk of harm who have come to police attention or are linked to males involved in criminality and exploitation.
It was found that these girls are often deliberately targeted because they attract less suspicion than boys and can more easily hide signs of coercion. Several girls disclosed that they were being “used”, highlighting concerns about hidden grooming and early-stage exploitation.
Between June and December 2025, 49 girls, most identified proactively through custody checks, intelligence systems and police screening, were approached for support. Many presented with complex risks including violence, antisocial behaviour, weapons, substance misuse and child exploitation. Over half were connected to peers already known to the YVIU, and a quarter were looked-after children.
Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone said the findings show the importance of long-term prevention.
“Early data from the YVIU showed promising results, including a 77.8% reduction in crime, suggesting targeted early intervention can disrupt exploitation pathways.
“The pilot makes it clear that too many girls are being drawn into risk in ways that are almost invisible. The Girls’ Pathway shows what can happen when we identify vulnerability early and wrap support around a child before harm becomes rooted.”
The findings mirror emerging national concerns. A recent BBC investigation into gang‑based exploitation in London detailed how girls as young as 14 are drawn into forced sex, drug debt repayment and wider criminal activity, often without recognising themselves as victims. The article highlighted the extent to which girls are groomed because they appear less visible to authorities, echoing the patterns identified in Northamptonshire’s pilot.
Following the pilot, the Girls’ Pathway became a permanent countywide programme in January 2026. Led by Allocated Early Intervention and ACE Officer for YVIU Sophie Branston, the programme works with schools, social care and partner agencies to identify at-risk girls earlier and intervene before harmful relationships take hold.
Sophie Branston (pictured above) said: “Identifying and supporting girls at risk—especially through early intervention—has already led to significantly improved outcomes for many young people and their families.
“The pilot shows that girls involved in organised crime are often hidden, with vulnerabilities presenting through mental health issues, anti‑social behaviour, or sexual exploitation rather than obvious signs. By building trust and listening carefully, we uncover the complex, overlapping risks they face, and my hope is that this pathway ensures girls receive timely, meaningful support that truly meets their needs.”
The work supports the Northamptonshire Women’s Charter, launched in December 2025, and aligns with national aims to reduce VAWG by half within a decade. This progress is reinforced by the strong partnership between the OPFCC and Northamptonshire Police, whose joint working is central to delivering earlier, more effective intervention.
Prevention and Intervention Chief Inspector for Northamptonshire Police, Oliver Charter, said: “This project is about recognising the unique challenges faced by girls and young women and ensuring we respond in a way that is supportive and preventative. By investing in early intervention, we are reducing harm before it escalates. Joint working between Northamptonshire Police and the OPFCC is already delivering results, with an 88% reduction in crimes associated with this cohort.
“Preventing violence against women and girls is a key priority within the Chief Constable’s Policing Plan for Northamptonshire. The ‘Girls Pathway’ is one part of our Prevention & Intervention approach and reinforces how preventing crime is not just for the police to tackle alone.”
The continuation of the Girls’ Pathway demonstrates Northamptonshire’s commitment to ensuring no girl remains “unseen”, with 73 girls already triaged for support since the pilot began.
Danielle added: “I’m confident this programme will bring real growth, allowing us to reach girls earlier, reduce risk, and build the resilience they need to thrive into adulthood.”
