A woman claiming to have been abused by multiple paedophile rings in the UK believes her two young children were being monitored by the same abusers and is hoping her application for a protection visa will allow her to remain in Perth.
After hearing of her plight last year, a Christian church in Midland paid the airfares for Kate* and her children and they arrived in WA on December 31.
The family is receiving support from Linda’s House of Hope (LHH), a Catholic organisation committed to assisting women exiting the sex industry.
Founder of LHH Linda Watson told The Record Kate’s bridging visa would shortly expire, adding that Kate was terrified her children would also become victims of the same horrific sexual abuse and degradation she endured if they were forced to return to the UK.
Ms Watson said that while temporary housing had been found for the family, without the appropriate visa they do not receive any income.
“We have made a long-term commitment to support Kate and her children,” she said.
“Although at the moment I have no idea where the money will come from.”
Kate’s tragic journey from a shy 14-year-old to the years of abuse as she was passed from one paedophile network to the next, was told to the The Record by her Perth-based cousin who is assisting her with her Protection Visa application.
Her cousin described how Kate’s night terrors have ceased since arriving in Australia and how she has watched her children blossom emotionally and behaviourally in an environment free from the turmoil they were experiencing in the UK.
Ms Watson is seeking financial support for Kate’s family as they may have to wait without income before discovering whether their applications have been successful or not.
“We are committed to providing for Kate during this critical and stressful period but we are relying on the generosity of others to ensure we are able to fulfil this need,” she said.
“Any money we receive in excess of Kate’s needs will, of course, be used to support other women LHH is assisting in their journey to a new life.”
To make a donation or for further information on Linda’s House of Hope contact Linda Watson on 0439 401 009. All donations are tax deductible.
*Real name not used.