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A survivor of child sexual exploitation is pushing for a dedicated inquiry in Wales to address the issue. Known as Emily Vaughn, she had her story shared in the Senedd by the Welsh Conservatives earlier this year, urging Welsh ministers to take action. Despite the UK government announcing an inquiry covering both Wales and England, Vaughn emphasized that abuse knows no borders and Wales cannot afford to ignore the issue.
The Welsh government previously voted against a Wales-specific inquiry in January, but did support an amendment proposing consideration of such an inquiry and an audit of cases with the police. Vaughn, who was first groomed at 11 and sexually abused from the age of 14, highlighted the need for Wales to address grooming and sexual exploitation within its own unique cultural and social context. She stressed the urgency of an independent public inquiry into grooming gangs and systemic sexual exploitation specific to Wales.
Following a report from Baroness Louise Casey, the prime minister announced the launch of an inquiry covering Wales and England. Vaughn further reiterated the need for a Wales-specific inquiry to investigate the trafficking of children for both sexual and criminal exploitation within and around Wales. Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar welcomed the UK government’s inquiry, acknowledging its overdue nature and validating the efforts of survivors like Vaughn.
A freedom of information request conducted by BBC Wales revealed that Welsh police forces had not identified any widespread issues with grooming gangs. The Welsh government expressed its support for the new inquiry, committing to consider its recommendations to inform future actions. With a ten-year Strategy for Preventing and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse set for public consultation, the government outlined four key areas of focus: prevention, protection, support for children and families, and assistance for adult survivors
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