Case Study 3: Mental Health and Exploitation

Key learning: Persistent advocacy and system escalation are essential. 

A Trauma informed and multi-agency response 

This case involves a woman with a long history of trauma, institutional involvement, and substance use. Having experienced the care system, multiple imprisonments, and serious sexual trauma, she faced significant barriers to engaging with services. Her mental health challenges, combined with ongoing crack cocaine and alcohol use, made temporary accommodation placements extremely difficult. After being placed in unsupported housing, she became pregnant but was found to be at risk due to sexual exploitation in her property. She was moved into accommodation for women experiencing domestic abuse, but her baby was removed at birth due to continued substance use. This led to a period of acute mental health crisis and hospitalisation. 

Throughout her journey, she had a deeply mistrustful and difficult relationship with statutory services, shaped by her trauma and experiences of being let down or judged. Early interactions were marked by hostility and withdrawal, making engagement a significant challenge for support workers. She perceived many services, including the police and housing authorities, as punitive rather than protective, which contributed to her reluctance to disclose the home takeover or seek help. 

Following discharge, a supported tenancy was arranged. While she initially managed, she re-established contact with individuals involved in criminal activity in a nearby property. Concerns were raised by neighbours about unknown men accessing her home, and suspicions of cuckooing emerged. Due to trauma and mistrust, it took time and sensitive engagement for her to disclose what was happening. Rather than penalising her or seeking a closure order on her home, local authority services and police took a coordinated, patient approach. They identified and targeted the perpetrators, issuing community protection notices and, when necessary, taking enforcement action. 

This trauma-informed, person-centred response avoided further criminalising the tenant and built a foundation of trust. Over time, she became more open to engaging with services and began viewing statutory agencies as sources of support rather than punishment. Although her broader support needs remain significant, the coordinated response successfully ended the home takeover without forcing her to relocate. The case highlights the importance of directing enforcement at perpetrators rather than victims and demonstrates the value of persistent, respectful, and relationship-based intervention, especially when overcoming deep-seated mistrust.