‘I’m worried about dying before I find out the truth’
Survivors of child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Oldham express mixed emotions after the council voted to demand a statutory inquiry, with some fearing they may not live to see the truth revealed. The inquiry aims to compel authorities to provide evidence, unlike a previous voluntary review. Survivors highlight delays, lack of justice, and the need for broader recognition of diverse cases beyond the narrow 'Pakistani grooming gangs' narrative.
Survivors Welcome Council Vote for Statutory Inquiry into Oldham Child Sexual Exploitation, But Fear Delays
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Oldham, UK - Survivors of child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Oldham have expressed both relief and ongoing concern after the council voted to request a statutory inquiry into historical abuse cases.
The vote, which passed with cross-party support, empowers the council to seek government backing for a “Telford-style” inquiry. Such an inquiry would have legal powers to compel evidence and witness testimony, addressing a key limitation of previous reviews.
Amelia, a survivor who has long campaigned for justice, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Finally, the councillors are listening. We’re not backing down. We’re not being quiet.”
However, she and other survivors fear the process could still face delays, or be limited in scope. “I’ll continue to fight the Home Office until we get [a statutory inquiry],” Amelia stated. “Girls and boys are dying without their cases sorted out.”
The council’s move follows a previous Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) review, which relied on voluntary cooperation from agencies. That review, survivors say, left gaps. Documents were unavailable, some cases fell outside the review’s timeframe, and perpetrators remained unprosecuted.
Sarah, whose son Zak died aged 28 after years of abuse, says she has been “unable to grieve” while waiting for justice. Zak’s case was excluded from the GMCA review because his abuse occurred in 2007, outside the 2011-2014 timeframe examined.
“I’m worried about dying myself before [an inquiry] gets going,” Sarah said. “Let’s just hope the Home Office lets it through.”
Former councillor Lucia Rea, who first raised the CSE issue in Oldham six years ago, welcomed the vote but warned politics must not overshadow survivors’ needs. “The CSE issue should not wear a rosette,” she said. “It should be colourless.”
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