When the public first became aware of Child Q, the outrage was widespread and immediate. Who could not have felt shame and revulsion at what happened to this schoolgirl? I need to warn readers that the description that follows could distress you, especially if you’ve had a similar experience. Child Q was taken out of her school schedule and strip searched because of entirely unfounded suspicions that she was carrying drugs. It wasn’t just that she was stripped naked; two female uniformed officers made her part the cheeks of her bottom and cough. She told them she was menstruating and still they continued, forcing her to remove her sanitary pad so they could have a proper look. She was just 15.
