Description

Isabella confides in Counch about her troubled past, questioning her decision to open up. After completing her final delivery for Timmy, she is attacked by a shady man but manages to fight him off. She returns to the warehouse, seeking solace in Counch’s support. Later, Timmy praises her success and hints at a greater plan, leading Isabella to recruit her friends for his business. However, as Isabella becomes more engrossed in the operation, she distances herself from her friends, wrapped up in Timmy’s exploitation. Determined to break free and correct her wrongs, she confronts Timmy, who mocks her efforts and reveals his control over her life.

This comic book continues Isabella’s story from the summer, highlighting the harsh reality of child criminal exploitation and its impact on vulnerable children and their families. This second edition continues to raise awareness about this critical issue and educate young people about the dangers of becoming involved in criminal activities.

As Isabella continues her journey, readers gain further insight into the struggles and challenges that children who fall victim to criminal exploitation face. They learn about the devastating effects of being groomed and the dangers intensified by the lure of power. Most importantly, “Isabella’s Journey” is a story about knowing who your friends are and learning how to accept help from others. It shows how young people can be exploited without even realising it and how easy it is to become part of a cycle of exploitation.

What I love most about this second part is that the young men, who sadly in the justice system, carried on from part one and co-created the second part, sharing their insights on exploitation alongside their lived experiences.

Barnardo’s is proud to sponsor this second educational comic book, which serves as an important tool in the fight against child criminal exploitation. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to better understand this critical issue and work towards a world where all children are safe and protected.