Three women profoundly affected by past child sexual exploitation in Oldham have expressed that ministers ought to have consulted survivors before they decided against initiating a government-led inquiry into grooming gangs in the area.
Jane and Amelia, both survivors of abuse from over 15 years ago, alongside Sarah, whose son faced exploitation while in care, have urged Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to meet with them and listen to their experiences.
Ministers have turned down Oldham Council’s appeal for an inquiry, asserting that the responsibility for leading such an investigation lies with the council itself.
A spokesperson for the government stated that it would “always be guided” by survivors, emphasising that Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips will maintain ongoing engagement with victims.
However, numerous victims have expressed a desire to avoid another national inquiry, emphasising that they seek immediate action instead.
Jane and Amelia expressed their desire for a comprehensive national inquiry, emphasising the importance of addressing the experiences of survivors nationwide.
Sarah, whose son suffered abuse during his teenage years and passed away over a decade later, expressed a desire for a government-led inquiry into the abuse in Oldham. However, she indicated she would be open to a local inquiry, provided it receives adequate funding.
This initiative is not intended to serve any political interests. “This concerns actual human lives,” Amelia stated.
The government has pushed back against demands from the Conservatives and Reform for a new national inquiry, asserting that its focus remains on implementing the recommendations from a 2022 report by Prof Alexis Jay regarding child sexual abuse.
Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Conservative Party, has asserted that a new national inquiry is essential for addressing the issue of grooming gangs, an area she believes was overlooked by the Jay report.
Billionaire Elon Musk has taken to social media platform X to voice his criticism of the UK government’s handling of grooming gangs.
Amelia expressed that, despite her disagreement with numerous beliefs held by Musk, she felt “glad” he had brought attention to the issue.
During the previous weekend, Phillips and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that the council had initiated its inquiry.
An independent review conducted by the Greater Manchester authority in 2022 examined instances of sexual abuse in Oldham, revealing that victims had been let down by both the council and Greater Manchester Police.
Ministers have indicated a willingness to consider a national investigation in the future should it become evident that survivors favour such an inquiry.
At the age of 12, Jane relocated to Oldham. A young girl formed a friendship with an older peer, who introduced her to a man in his late forties.
“He began visiting frequently, purchasing phones for me and urging me to keep it a secret from my parents,” she recounted. “Then he started to introduce me to his friends.”
More than ten years have passed, and Jane finds it challenging to remember the specifics regarding the number of men involved. However, she recounts that for six years, she was subjected to abuse by a British-Pakistani grooming gang.
One particular incident stands out in my memory: I was inundated with alcohol and drugs, rendering me unable to move. A group of men entered and exited the room, with estimates suggesting there were four or five individuals involved in the assault.
Jane reported the situation to her mother, the police, the local council, and the social worker.
“At one point, when the police arrived, I was with an undocumented immigrant, and they proceeded to arrest me on charges of prostitution,” she stated.
Several years later, Jane departed from Oldham.
“After a certain amount of time, one begins to lose respect for oneself, and it transforms into a troubling normality,” Jane remarked, struggling to hold back tears.
“As a child, the complexities of life often elude understanding. However, with the passage of time and reflection, one may come to realise that it often felt like a personal struggle against the world.”
According to Jane, none of the men who perpetrated abuse against her have faced incarceration.
Amelia, still a student, became a victim of trafficking, forced to endure sexual exploitation with multiple men each night across the country.
She noted that while the individuals who abducted her were white British, the abusers came from a diverse array of backgrounds, races, and social classes.
“There is not a singular narrative surrounding the issue of Pakistani grooming gangs,” she stated. “This matter is unrelated to nationality or race.”
Oldham’s 2022 review on grooming failed to capture her experience. She emphasises the urgent need for increased efforts to raise awareness about the sexual exploitation of minors.
Amelia shared her insights on the profound effects grooming has had on her life. The woman’s children have been placed in care, and she has faced challenges in sustaining relationships while navigating a cycle of psychiatric support.
“I no longer consider myself a human being,” she stated. “I find myself feeling like damaged goods, a sense of being broken.”
She reiterated Jane and Sarah’s intentions to engage with the government.
“I would appreciate the chance to engage with the senior officials responsible for the decisions that impact our lives, whether through a meeting or a personal conversation,” she stated.
In a troubling revelation, Sarah’s 13-year-old son has come forward with allegations of sexual abuse that occurred during his time as a looked-after child in Oldham in the 2000s.
“He entered a local business that facilitated the purchase of cigarettes and alcohol, and that is where the grooming began,” she stated.
The British-Pakistani owner informed her son that he would need to fulfil specific demands to cover the items’ cost. She noted that the care home was aware of the arrangement but chose not to question it.
“It completely shattered him,” she stated. “He was no longer the child he once was.” He appeared diminished, a mere echo of his previous self.
In 2021, Sarah reported that he was reporting the abuse to the police when he suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away.
“I believe I have failed him in his life, and it seems unjust that I cannot seek justice for him simply because he is no longer present,” she expressed. “His significance is equal to that of every other victim.”
Councillor Arooj Shah, the leader of Oldham Council, announced that the forthcoming local independent inquiry will expand upon the conclusions drawn from the Greater Manchester review.
Efforts are underway to engage with survivors and their families, emphasising the importance of their voices and active participation in shaping the inquiry.
“Terms of reference are anticipated to be finalised in the upcoming months,” Shah stated.
Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker of Greater Manchester Police emphasised the profound and lasting effects of child sexual exploitation, stating, “We absolutely recognise the lifelong impact of child sexual exploitation, which is why we are so committed to protecting victims and pursuing offenders.” This case serves as a poignant illustration of the profound trauma associated with such egregious abuse.
Parker emphasised that child protection remains “the priority” for the force, highlighting several ongoing efforts.
Authorities are currently conducting multiple investigations centred on victims of non-recent child sexual exploitation, spearheaded by specialised investigators. These efforts have resulted in more than 100 arrests to date. Time does not hinder the pursuit of action.
A government spokesperson stated, “Recognising that this issue is not black and white, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women, Jess Phillips, will maintain her dialogue with victims to ensure their perspectives are heard and justice is served.”
