Case Study: Sarah
Case Study: Sarah
Sarah is a single-parent living in a semi-detached property that she rents from a private landlord. She works part-time as a receptionist and often struggles to make ends meet.
Sarah is a victim of romantic partner cuckooing.
Unbeknownst to Sarah, her new boyfriend is a member of an organised crime group. He matched with Sarah on a dating app, where he quickly learned that she was lonely and concerned about her son growing up without a father-figure. He moved into her home three weeks after their first date. At first, he showered Sarah with affection, played with her son, and offered to pay all of her bills. Now, he controls every aspect of Sarah’s life, threatens her and her son, and stores piles of stolen goods in her property.
Did you pick up on the signs of cuckooing in Sarah’s case?
Outside the property:
● Privately rented property
● Resident is identified as a single mother
● Suspicious activity reported by neighbour- increased number of visitors, boxes being taken in and out of the property at all hours
● Signs of controlling relationship with new partner
● Disengagement from support network- neighbour reports no longer seeing Sarah since her new partner arrived
● Sarah’s door key is missing, suggesting partner controls who has access to the property
Inside the property:
● Piles of boxes containing expensive goods
● Multiple locks on external doors
● CCTV cameras installed
● Romantic partner is hostile and intimidating
● Sarah presents as defensive and nervous