Birmingham and Wales will be investigated as part of an independent national inquiry into grooming gangs, chaired by former children's commissioner Anne Longfield, it was announced on Wednesday.
Key facts
- Birmingham and Wales will be investigated as part of an independent inquiry into grooming gangs.
- The inquiry is chaired by former children's commissioner Anne Longfield.
- It will have the power to compel witnesses and documents.
- The inquiry will examine what individuals and agencies did or did not do to protect children from sexual abuse.
Birmingham and Wales will be investigated as part of an independent inquiry into grooming gangs, it was announced on Wednesday, according to the Guardian.
The inquiry is chaired by the former children’s commissioner Anne Longfield. It will have the power to compel witnesses and documents in order to interrogate what individuals and agencies “did or did not do to protect children from being sexually abused”.
The national inquiry is set to conduct local investigations while also examining the wider picture of sexual abuse and exploitation of children, the Guardian reported.
Support services are available for those affected. In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111, and support for adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000. The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331.
Internationally, in the US, people can call or text the Childhelp abuse hotline on 800-422-4453. In Australia, children, young adults, parents and teachers can contact the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Bravehearts on 1800 272 831, while adult survivors can contact the Blue Knot Foundation on 1300 657 380. Other sources of help can be found at Child Helplines International.
Why it matters
The inquiry's power to compel witnesses and documents means agencies and individuals could be held to account for how they responded to child sexual abuse. Expanding the investigation to Birmingham and Wales signals a broader national examination of how children were protected, or failed.
Frequently asked questions
Who is leading the grooming gangs inquiry?
The inquiry is chaired by the former children's commissioner Anne Longfield.
What powers does the inquiry have?
According to the Guardian, the inquiry has the power to compel witnesses and documents to interrogate what individuals and agencies did or did not do to protect children from being sexually abused.
Where can I get support if I am affected?
In the UK, the NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111 and to adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000, while Napac supports adult survivors on 0808 801 0331. Other international helplines are also available.