Semina Halliwell was just 12 years old when she took her own life. Now, her heartbroken mum wants the public to see this harrowing photo, taken of her days before she died.
Semina died on June 12 last year. She had spent four nights in hospital and mum Rachel said she took her own life not long after an interview with a police officer.
She had said she was raped by an older boy who she said had groomed her using Snapchat. Rachel has now issued the above picture of Semina, who was a Year 7 pupil at Stanley High School in Southport, after raising concerns about how police handler her daughter's case, reports the Liverpool Echo.
Rachel has complained to the Indepedent Office for Police Conduct after saying that Merseyside Police officers investigating the rape allegations made her daughter "feel like an inconvenience".
She says she wants the image released today to act as a warning to others on the devastating impact bullying can have on others. Rachel said a detective "started talking about all the forms he'd have to fill in and how long it would take him to fill those forms in".
Rachel's aunt, Clare Halliwell, says the detective then told Semina: "It's your word against his and do you really want this hanging over your head for 18 months, because it wouldn't go to court for 18 months to two years."
Rachel says she believes Merseyside Police "failed her daughter". Merseyside Police today told the Liverpool Echo it was "not appropriate" to comment on the issues raised ahead of a planned inquest into Semina's death.
A spokesperson for the force said: "The matter is currently being considered by the Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens coroner and as such it is not appropriate for Merseyside Police to comment on any of the substantive issues raised at this time, as we would not wish to prejudice the coronial investigation. However, we have, and are, co-operating fully with the coroner in this matter."
A spokesperson for the coroners' office also said they were unable to comment on this or any case that is under investigation. The spokesperson added: "The date of inquest will be published in due course."
Semina's tragic case was raised at a parliamentary committee on June 23, 2021, when Labour MP Apsana Begum asked then-Education Secretary Gavin Williamson what more could be done to help protect 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 has committed suicide last week."
Following her death, Rachel feared Semina's bullies would "gatecrash" her funeral. Rachel had initially said "everyone is invited" to celebrate Semina's short life. But she later received some horrifying messages.
Screenshots seen by the Liverpool Echo appeared to show someone who knew Semina telling Rachel they had been told they'd "get battered at the funeral" if they attended. The message continued: "I'm scared to go".
Police officers were in attendance at the funeral, which went ahead without incident. But less than three months later, Rachel was left devastated after the grave of her 12-year-old daughter was "trashed" by yobs.
In September, a family friend found Semina's grave had been "completely desecrated ". Rachel said: "It was covered in bricks and rocks and there was dog mess all over it. It was clearly done on purpose."
At the time, Community Inspector Graham Fisher said the force and the community shared the family's "shock and revulsion" over the desecration of Semina's grave. He said: “This is the final resting place of a beloved family member, and I can only imagine how upsetting it must have been for their loved ones to find that the grave had been treated in this way.
"While thankfully no permanent damage has been caused, it will have caused lasting distress to the family." Merseyside Police today confirmed no charges or arrests have been made in relation to the attack on Semina's grave.
Where to get mental health and suicide support
- Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you're feeling, or if you're worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
- CALM Campaign Against Living Miserably (0800 58 58 58) is a leading movement against suicide. It runs a UK helpline and webchat from 5pm to midnight 365 days a year for anyone who has hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support.
- Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won't show up on your phone bill.
- PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
- Mind (0300 123 3393) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
- Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
