In an extraordinary session at the Senedd, local loudspeakers, frontline activists and representatives of the movement shared their perspectives and experiences. The conversations around child sexual exploitation and grooming gangs grew deafening. The strength of the meeting was the great call for in-depth examination of the urgent challenges. Survivors and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle felt a sense of urgency to do something.
Joined by key partners, chief among them Alexis Jay who chaired CSJ with tremendous effect, she chairs the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse and has helped change the conversation in a profound way. Welsh government officials are hard at work trying to pass the recommendations outlined in Jay’s inquiry. The petition for a Wales-specific inquiry into child sexual exploitation remains a source of controversy. Survivors, such as fellow advocate Emily Vaughn, are passionate about the need for an investigation. Vaughn restated her call for such an inquiry during her appearance before the Senedd’s Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee.
Baroness Louise Casey recently undertook an audit on the practices of these grooming gangs. Instead, she’s reversed course, admitting there is no need for a national inquiry. Initially, she was reluctant to participate. She’s now a passionate advocate for a national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs – particularly after the Prime Minister announced that he would not be pursuing such an inquiry.
Eluned Morgan, the Welsh Minister for Health and Social Services, underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that “too many women and girls have suffered at the hands of these perpetrators.” Morgan highlighted the need to center victims’ needs when discussing these complex, sensitive topics.
Though they have previously voted against calls for a Welsh inquiry in February, the Senedd has voted to re-examine the issue unanimously. Darren Millar, member of the Senedd, criticized the constant delays and their toll on victims. He urged Morgan to support the UK inquiry and make sure that public bodies in Wales are working effectively and completely with it.
In this session, Vaughn discussed her traumatic experiences as a victim of grooming gangs. Millar voiced her frustration to the police and the Welsh government. She says she has long been on the frontline trying to raise awareness about these issues, only to feel she has been disregarded.
“I’ve been in touch with Emily in recent days, and had a conversation with her again this morning, and she told me that she’s been trying to raise concerns about grooming gangs in Wales for many years, but feels completely let down by the authorities, by so-called experts, and indeed by the Welsh government.” – Darren Millar
Morgan responded to these feelings, insisting that Welsh government is far from complacent about these urgent issues. In response to Millar’s inquiries, she noted that they had suggested conducting an audit prior to moving forward with a Welsh inquiry.
“As you will be aware, the steps that happened were that the prime minister commissioned Baroness Casey to carry out an audit in relation to grooming gangs. So, we didn’t say that we were rejecting it, we said, ‘Let’s do the audit first.’ That audit has now taken place and Baroness Louise Casey herself has now said that she has changed her mind about a national inquiry and, of course, we welcome the decision made by the prime minister to undertake a national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs.” – Source
Vaughn’s testimony resonated deeply within the chamber. She focused on her individual suffering as well as the societal costs of avoiding these needs. Green Millar expressed his agitation at the rude interruptions and jeers from conservative members which punctuated Vaughn’s what happened testimony. In particular, he pointed out the dangerous culture that harbors debate around these important issues.
“You suggested that the issue had been politicised to the point where people feel threatened, and twice expressed disappointment that I was raising the issue in the Senedd. When describing the experiences of just one Welsh victim, I was jeered at, heckled and interrupted by Members of this Senedd, including, I am very sorry to say, members of your own Welsh government.” – Darren Millar
Morgan echoed her commitment to making victims’ needs the top priority. She promised that these needs would be the focus of all future debate and action taken by the government of Wales. She stated that it is vital for all actions taken to be “trauma-informed, survivor-led, and committed to uncovering both individual and institutional failures.”
Continuing discussions remain in terms of how Wales can better address child sexual exploitation and the issue of grooming gangs. It’s clear that we still have a long way to go. Survivors such as Emily Vaughn are essential to reforming future investigations. The policies that are tailored to avoid doing more harm will be informed by their experiences and perspectives.
