Probash Barta 24 News Desk: This report has been collected from Jim McMahon MP from his Facebook page. A harrowing report into child sexual exploitation (CSE) has been released today, as the Mayor of Greater Manchester publishes the findings of the review into the abuse and subsequent death of 15-year-old girl, Victoria Agoglia.
Victoria was abused over a long period of time when she was in the care of social services before she was killed in 2003. The report highlights a significant and large grooming gang network, and it reports that at least 16 young girls have been identified as victims, but it could well be more, and that those responsible have not been brought to justice.
The review focuses on Operation Augusta, set up in 2004, which was closed abruptly and highlights a series of failures, including the failure to provide adequate protection to young girls.
The review was commissioned by the Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017 under the leadership of Malcolm Newsam CBE and Gary Ridgway, the two experts who were tasked with conducting an in-depth investigation.
The pattern of abuse is not new, we have read coverage over many years and it was brought to the fore in the documentary Three Girls which told the true stories of sexual abuse and child grooming in Rochdale between 2008 and 2012. Many other cases have been highlighted across the country where organised grooming gangs, of predominately Asian men sought out victims to abuse in this pattern of exploitation.
It must be the case that those who abuse children are brought to justice, but also that the police and social services ensure that if failures are found, that practices are changed so it cannot happen in the future.
To tackle this we must accept that abusers exist in every community, and its vital to understand the differing patterns of abuse, for instance it is a fact that technology has changed the nature of targeting and grooming, but also detection and justice too. It is complex, but there is a clear pattern abusers will seek out opportunities to place themselves where they can exploit victims. What we can do is to ensure that as much as possible is done to prevent it, and where it has taken place that those responsible are held to account.
Those following events will be aware that the authors of this report, Malcolm Newsam CBE and Gary Ridgway, through the Mayor of Greater Manchester are due to expand the review to include Rochdale, and that the Leader of Oldham Council has asked that it also includes Oldham too, something which I welcome.
The review will be open to learning lessons if there are areas of concern that were not addressed in previous reviews. None of us should shy away should victims be found to have not been given the support they need and deserve.
The leadership shown by Mayor Andy Burnham on this, as well as the bravery of Victoria’s grandmother Joan and whistle-blower, former GMP detective Maggie Oliver, and others, moves us closer to ensuring that there is no hiding place for abusers.
Like many MPs my office supports local people with many issues, including those who have been victims of abuse. The personal trauma and long-lasting impact is distressing. It takes bravery and sustained support. The only thing that matters is that victims are protected and that they receive justice.
There is support and advice about all aspects of child sexual exploitation, as well as information about how to report it, available on the website itsnotokay.co.uk