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 next Wednesday (12/02/25), the Welsh Conservatives are bringing forward a Welsh Parliament debate calling on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.
Commenting ahead of 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.
“Politicians must 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.
“We know from what has already been exposed in Swansea and elsewhere in the UK, that simply accepting the assurances of the police and local councils that grooming gangs are not operating in their areas is not good enough.
“Only a Wales-wide inquiry will be able to ensure that there is sufficient attention and focus being given to this issue, and that our children can be protected from predatory behaviour.
“That’s why the Welsh Conservatives are bringing forward a Welsh Parliament debate next week, calling on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.”
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.”
Commenting ahead of 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.
“Next week I look forward to opening our vitally important debate, calling on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.”
The motion which will be debated next week reads:
To propose that the Senedd:
Calls on the Welsh Government to commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs.
