Express & Star

Telford child sex abuse: 47,000 sign petition over inquiry

An online petition calling for an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation has reached more than 47,000 signatures.

Published
Tens of thousands of people have signed a petition demanding an inquiry

The change.org petition was set up by Holly Archer, a pseudonym of one of the victims of the Telford ring.

The petition says that a national inquiry will not be adequate and Telford needs its own independent inquiry into child sex exploitation.

It adds: “People need to be held accountable for not acting and protecting young vulnerable people and children.”

More than 47,350 people have now added their names to the petition.

It comes as Telford & Wrekin Council is preparing to hold an extraordinary meeting on child sexual exploitation today.

Councillors will discuss a motion on an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation.

Experiences

The meeting takes place at Oakengates Theatre at 6pm. Victims of child sex abuse have also been asked to come forward by the national Truth Project, which will arrive in Telford in the coming months.

The Truth Project was set up for victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to share their experiences in a supportive and confidential setting.

It is part of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) which was set up in 2015 to investigate organisations and institutions that have failed to protect children from sexual abuse.

People are asked to get in touch online by filling out a form online, or by calling a helpline which is on 0800 917 1000.

Representatives of the Truth Project are expected to make several visits to Telford in April to meet with key stakeholders and raise awareness of the campaign.

They will then visit the week of May 21 and June 4 to deliver the Telford Will Be Heard project and speak with victims of child sexual exploitation.