Demand for Justice: Oldham Abuse Survivors Call for Government Inquiry into Grooming Gangs

In Oldham, survivors of historical child sexual exploitation are expressing their frustration with the UK government’s decision to forgo a national inquiry into grooming gangs. Three women—Jane, Amelia, and Sarah—shared their traumatic experiences with the BBC, emphasizing the importance of hearing from survivors before crucial decisions are made. Jane recounted her abuse by a grooming gang from the age of 12, revealing the long-term psychological impact while lamenting that no perpetrators have been convicted. Amelia, who was trafficked for sex during her teenage years, stressed the diverse backgrounds of abusers, countering the narrow narrative surrounding grooming gangs. Sarah’s testimony highlighted her son’s exploitation while in a care home, an issue she believes warrants deeper governmental investigation, especially after losing him to health complications during the reporting process.

The survivors unanimously called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to engage with them directly concerning their experiences rather than relying solely on council-led inquiries, which they fear may lack the necessary funding and advocacy. They urged for action to prioritize the prevention of such abuses over political agendas. Although the government has deferred to local inquiries and expressed its intention to enhance ongoing support for victims, calls from opposition parties for a national inquiry continue to grow. Amidst these discussions, prominent figures like Elon Musk have also voiced criticism of the UK government’s handling of these sexual exploitation issues, drawing additional public attention.

Oldham Council has initiated its inquiry, backed by insights from a prior review that identified severe failures in local protective services. The police reaffirmed their commitment to child safety and criminal accountability, underlining ongoing investigations related to historical cases of child sexual exploitation. As momentum for accountability builds, survivors insist that their voices be central to any inquiries or systemic reforms, as their lived experiences remain pivotal in addressing the ramifications of such heinous abuses.