A teenage girl who was raped at the age of 14 in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, has spoken publicly about the lasting trauma she continues to endure, as the sentences given to her attackers are set to be reviewed.

The girl said she lives in constant fear and struggles with severe psychological effects, including flashbacks, insomnia and difficulty attending school, which has affected her education and wellbeing.Three boys were involved in the January 2025 attack.Two, aged 14 at the time, were convicted of rape, while a third, aged 13, was found guilty of aiding and abetting rape.

The court heard that the assault involved violence, including the use of a knife to cut the victim’s clothing, and that the boys filmed and shared footage of the attacks.The same two older boys were also convicted of raping another teenage girl in a separate incident in November 2024.Despite the severity of the crimes, the boys were given Youth Rehabilitation Orders rather than custodial sentences.

The decision prompted widespread public concern, with critics arguing that the punishment did not reflect the seriousness of the offences or the long-term harm caused to the victims.

The sentencing judge stated that custody should be a last resort for young offenders and sought to avoid further criminalising children, while acknowledging the gravity of the crimes.The victims’ families expressed anger and disbelief at the outcome, describing the impact as lifelong and arguing that justice had not been served.

The girl’s parents said she now feels unsafe even leaving her home, while the second victim questioned the value of going through the trauma of a trial.Following public outcry, the Attorney General has referred the case to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme.Political figures, including the Prime Minister, have also raised concerns about the appropriateness of the sentences.The review will determine whether the punishments should be increased.