Summary
An inquiry has been launched to investigate grooming gangs in England and Wales. The inquiry will look into the sexual abuse and exploitation of young girls by groups of men. It aims to uncover how the abuse occurred and what measures failed to protect the victims.
Key Facts
- A victim, identified as Penny, shared her experience of being groomed and abused by several men when she was 12 years old.
- Penny described being manipulated with gifts, then experiencing violence and abuse, including being sold for sex.
- Some offenders were convicted, but Penny says many more remain free.
- The new inquiry will investigate how these grooming gangs operated and why many perpetrators have not been held accountable.
- The inquiry will examine the actions of police forces and any cultural or institutional factors that prevented justice.
- The investigation covers the past 30 years and will include local inquiries, starting with Oldham.
- The inquiry has a budget of £65 million and aims to provide regular updates until its completion in March 2029.
