Some victims of the Operation Sanctuary grooming gangs have been abused again by different men as vile sexual exploitation continues to wreck women's lives across the North East.

The horrifying reality of adult sexual exploitation on our streets is today laid bare in a new report calling for an urgent change in the way society, services and the justice system views and supports victims of these misunderstood crimes.

Northumbria Police launched Operation Sanctuary in January 2014 with a wave of arrests, following allegations of abuse made in December 2013. Investigations resulted in probe codenamed ‘Operation Shelter’, which smashed a network of predators from the Newcastle's West End. and lead to eighteen people being jailed.

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The predatory gang targeted some of the city's most vulnerable females by plying them with drugs and booze before using them for sex. In 2018 a multi-agency serious case review, known as the Spicer Review, was published. The review was one of the first formal recognitions that adults, as well as children, are being groomed for sexual exploitation.

But five years on Adult Sexual Exploitation (ASE) is still widely misunderstood, according to a new report shining a light on the experiences of women who have been targeted in the North East and Yorkshire.

Changing The Narrative: Understanding the Realities of Adult Exploitation, which was officially launched at the Houses of Parliament today.

Today a senior figure from the North East charity which helped compile the report, has told how ASE is as prevalent today as it was when the Operation Sanctuary scandal was exposed.

And tragically Laura Mcintyre, Head of Women and Children’s Services at Changing Lives, has revealed how some of the Operation Sanctuary victims have even gone on to be abused again by different perpetrators after being left even more vulnerable by their ordeal.

She said: "We are seeing some of the victims of these investigations come back after being abused by different perpetrators. We are seeing the same victims coming round, it's a sad fact that some women are coming back to our services with the same experiences.

"When that happens there's almost a judgement on the victim, as an adult when it's repeated it becomes almost less important."

"There's definitely a broader awareness now, but the demand for our services and the referrals coming in are not slowing down. The need is still there from people that are being groomed.

"We just want everyone to open their eyes to this."

More than 700 women contributed to the Changing the Narrative report, which was produced by the STAGE Project, which is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and brings together charities Changing Lives, A Way Out, GROW, Together Women, Basis, WomenCentre, Ashiana and the Angelou Centre to provide support women who have been groomed for sexual exploitation across the North East and Yorkshire.

The report highlights how false narratives placed onto victims can perpetuate harmful victim-blaming and leave people vulnerable to further harm and exploitation. Lack of recognition that a crime has taken place or that women are not making free choices can also prevent vulnerable people from accessing the support that they need and are entitled to.

The report calls for urgent change change, including asking the government to consult on a comprehensive statutory definition of adult sexual exploitation and guidance for key agencies to be introduced through secondary legislation.

It also argues that a national strategy focusing specifically on adult sexual exploitation in all its forms is needed.

And those who have experienced sexual exploitation should be able to share their stories and be listened to.

The Spicer Review also highlighted the traumatic experiences victims in the Shelter trials were subjected to in court. And Laura says the new report will point out how victims continue to be failed by the justice system.

"The court process hasn't changed," she said. "Early responses have changes, but the justice system is just a mess. It's not supporting women. The whole process is so traumatic, they are locked in that trauma.

Laura added: “Our report holds a mirror up to the experiences of the women we support, many of whom have experienced significant trauma in their lives. Adult sexual exploitation is systemic across our towns and cities, yet despite all of the evidence from police investigations and safeguarding reviews, women are still being left to fall through the gaps. We must act now to change the narrative that women are simply too hard to reach."