After her daughter, Semina Halliwell, tragically passed away from an overdose in June 2021, Rachel Halliwell expressed her belief that the 12-year-old had been let down by authorities. Semina, who had reported a sexual assault by an older boy at her school, felt unheard and unsupported by the police and other organizations involved in her life prior to her death.
Despite the family’s concerns, Assistant Coroner Johanna Thompson stated that there was no clear evidence of an immediate threat to Semina’s life that could have been prevented by state agencies. The official conclusion cited Semina’s complex social history and the uncertainty surrounding her intentions at the time of the overdose.
Rachel Halliwell remains determined to seek justice and accountability for the mistakes that may have contributed to Semina’s untimely death. She emphasized feeling that her daughter was failed by those tasked with protecting her and expressed a desire for recognition of this failure.
Describing Semina as a beautiful and unique child with autism, Rachel recounted the profound impact of the sexual assault allegation on her daughter, leading to self-harm and emotional distress. She criticized the police’s handling of the case, highlighting the challenges faced by a young girl with autism navigating the legal system.
Despite Semina initially withdrawing her complaint, she later chose to pursue it, with a video interview scheduled just days before her passing. The inquest revealed the seriousness with which authorities had initially treated Semina’s allegation.
Rachel Halliwell continues to grieve the loss of her beloved daughter and seeks closure and acknowledgment of the systemic failures that may have contributed to Semina’s tragic fate.
“I’ve had enough of this,” Semina sighed as she swallowed the tablets, hoping they would help her escape from the overwhelming pain she felt inside. Her brother eventually found her and rushed her to the hospital, but it was already too late. In a heart-wrenching statement presented at the inquest, Dr. Mark Deakin, a consultant paediatrician, recounted how Semina had asked him the haunting question, “Am I going to die?” She tearfully confessed to him that she only wanted to sleep for a couple of days when she took the fatal overdose.
Despite the efforts of the medical team, they couldn’t save her, and Semina passed away three agonizing days later. Dr. Risthardh Hare, the chairman of the Sefton Safeguarding Children Partnership, expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the organization, offering condolences to Semina’s grieving family, friends, and all those touched by her untimely death. Their heartfelt sympathies were extended to everyone affected by this tragic loss.
Dr. Hare reiterated the commitment of the Sefton Safeguarding Children Partnership to provide unwavering support to vulnerable children in the area. He emphasized the importance of collaborating with partners across Sefton to ensure that children in need receive the necessary assistance and care.
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