https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9946491/Girl-12-took-life-groomed-raped-bullied-never-forgotten.htmlBeautiful and funny' girl, 12, who took her own life after being groomed and raped had been left ‘traumatised’ by online and physical bullying following her ordeal, mother says
Semina Halliwell, 12, died on June 12 after spending four days in hospital
She was raped in Southport, Merseyside, and faced months of bullying
Her mother shared footage of her daughter being punched and kicked
For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See
www.samaritans.org for details
By Joe Davies For Mailonline
Published: 11:22, 1 September 2021 | Updated: 13:06, 1 September 2021
A 'beautiful and funny' girl took her own life after months of online and physical bullying following her rape, her mother has said. Semina Halliwell, 12, died on June 12 after spending four days in hospital following months of torment. She was left 'traumatised' by online abuse after the sexual offence allegedly by a boy of a similar age on February 25, Rachel Halliwell said. And she was physically attacked twice in parks near her home in Southport, Merseyside, in April. Labour MP Apsana Begum raised Semina's case in a parliamentary committee on June 23. She asked Education Secretary Gavin Williamson what more can be done to protect young 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 committed suicide.'
Mrs Halliwell is now setting up a charity to raise awareness for online grooming and bullying. Merseyside Police confirmed it is investigating a report of rape and other allegations relating to the same alleged victim. A spokesperson said: 'We are continuing to investigate a report of rape in Southport in February this year, and a number of allegations relating to the same alleged victim received before and since her tragic death. A report was received on March 23 that a 12-year-old girl had been raped at an address in Southport on February 25. An investigation was launched and a juvenile voluntarily attended a police station for interview. Extensive enquiries are ongoing into this allegation and other matters relating to the same alleged victim, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.'
For confidential support call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit
www.samaritans.org.
