A TEENAGER who was sexually abused by a 40-year-old man she met on the internet has told her story in a video.

The girl, using the pseudonym Ellie, explains how the year-long episode, which started when she was just 12, left her feeling vulnerable and battling social anxiety.

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She has urged other youngsters not to fall prey to similar abusers, saying: "You don’t have to do anything anyone online tells you – whether you know them or not."

Oxford Mail:

Ellie's true identity is protected throughout the video.

In the video, Ellie tells how she started talking to the man when he posed as a 15-year-old boy online, sending her pictures and videos.

When they arranged to meet up, the man claimed to be that boy's father, saying his son was too ill to make the meeting.

He then went on to buy Ellie a phone and a laptop to talk to him, and started warning her not to tell anyone about their relationship.

Oxford Mail:

The pair stayed in touch on a phone he bought specially for her.

It wasn't until the police found a photo of Ellie three years later in someone else's possession they got in touch with her and persuaded her to tell her story.

The video has been released today by Thames Valley Police as part of its Hidden Harm campaign with the NSPCC.

Detective Superintendent Nick John, head of Thames Valley Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said: “Ellie’s story is a powerful example of how something as simple as accepting a friend request from a person you don’t know online can escalate into something with serious consequences.

Oxford Mail:

Thames Valley Police released the video as part of its ongoing Hidden Harm campaign with the NSPCC.

“The internet is a huge part of most of our lives, especially for the younger generation and, while it brings a great deal of positive opportunities, unfortunately it can be misused by some people.

“This campaign isn’t about scaring people or telling them not to let their children use the internet. It’s about making everyone aware of the potential risks associated with children being online, ensuring they can spot the signs that may indicate a child is being abused and educating everyone on ways we can all help to keep them safe.

“Keeping children safe from harm is everyone’s responsibility and we are very pleased to be partnering with the NSPCC for this element of the campaign.”

Oxford Mail:

Ellie has urged others not to fall prey to internet groomers.

Emma Motherwell, NSPCC campaigns manager, said: “The internet offers so many great platforms for children to communicate and learn but as Ellie has highlighted, by bravely sharing her story, it does have its dangers.

“That’s why it’s so important that parents talk to their children about their online world just as they do about their everyday lives,ensuring they are ready to listen and support them if something does go wrong."