what happened to semina halliwell

Semina Halliwell was a 12‑year‑old girl from Southport, Merseyside, who died in June 2021 after a suspected overdose, shortly after she reported being sexually assaulted by an older boy and then experienced intense bullying and online abuse.

Quick Scoop: What happened?

• Semina alleged she had been sexually assaulted earlier in 2021 and reported this to Merseyside Police.

• After coming forward, she and her family were subjected to online and offline bullying, including videos of her being attacked that were shared on social media.

• In June 2021, after a police visit to her home, she went upstairs saying she had “had enough” and then took an overdose; she died in hospital on 12 June 2021.

• An inquest later heard that she felt she was not believed and that the process and delays around the investigation deeply affected her mental health.

• The inquest concluded in early 2025 with a narrative finding that her death followed an overdose and was considered “unpreventable” in terms of what agencies could reasonably have foreseen, though her mother strongly argues that multiple systems failed her.

Her mother has since campaigned publicly, including plans for a charity in Semina’s name, to raise awareness about online grooming, bullying, and how institutions respond when children report sexual assault.

If you’re reading this and struggling with thoughts of self‑harm or suicide, please consider reaching out to a trusted person or a local crisis helpline or emergency service in your country for immediate support.