Across Wales, there is clear evidence that child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs has occurred, but the authorities do not know the full extent of the problem.
Campaigner Emily Vaughn who has spoken and written about her experiences being trafficked and exploited by gangs in Wales, has supported calls, and created a petition, calling on the Welsh Government to commission a Wales-wide inquiry into sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.
Politicians from across the political spectrum have a duty to support victims of abuse, and ensure that we do everything we can to prevent the appalling sexual exploitation suffered by victims.
In the Senedd today, Labour and Plaid Cymru voted against the Welsh Conservative debate calling on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.
Commenting after the debate, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS, said:
“There is clear and concerning evidence of the sexual exploitation of young girls by grooming gangs here in Wales, but what we don’t know is the full extent of the problem.
“We owe it to brave victims to leave no stone unturned in investigating this problem and bringing the evil perpetrators of such crimes to account.
“Labour and Plaid Cymru had an opportunity to put party politics aside, come together to support victims of abuse, and ensure that we do everything we can to prevent the appalling sexual exploitation suffered by victims across Wales, yet they chose to ignore the plight of these brave victims so it is disappointing that they voted against our motion tonight
“The Welsh Conservatives will continue to push the Welsh Government on this issue to ensure that our children can be protected from predatory behaviour and to secure justice for victims of abuse.”
Commenting after the debate, Welsh Conservative Shadow Secretary for Social Justice, Altaf Hussain MS, said:
“It’s abundantly clear that more needs to be done to end sexual violence and domestic abuse as well as putting a stop to misogyny and violence against women.
“We are all obligated under international law to tackle sexual violence and domestic abuse, and politicians must come together to support the boys and girls preyed upon by grooming gangs.
“I am extremely disappointed that Labour and Plaid Cymru voted against our motion for an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs, this issue goes far beyond party politics and by voting against our calls today, both Labour and Plaid have let those brave victims down.”
Commenting before the debate, Campaigner, Emily Vaughn, who has spoken and written about her experiences of being trafficked and exploited by gangs in Wales, said:
“I was the victim of sexual exploitation by grooming gangs, and I know that this practice is more prevalent than the authorities acknowledged.
“I believe the Welsh Government should undertake an inquiry to see how widespread the problem is and to support victims in Wales.”
The motion which was debated today read:
To propose that the Senedd:
Calls on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.
