Child Sexual Exploitation Support for Victims
2021-12-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from the need to address support services for victims, particularly children in Keighley and Ilkley.
What steps is his Department taking to support victims of child sexual exploitation?
The Department has provided £150 million to victim support services this financial year, which includes support for children and young people. The Government is consulting on a victims Bill to make tangible improvements, including reviewing roles of victim advocates, joining up services across agencies, and reviewing standards.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is calling for Bradford Council to initiate a full inquiry similar to the Rotherham-style investigation to understand the extent of crimes.
We can provide full justice and protection to victims of child sexual exploitation in Keighley and across the wider Bradford district only if we fully understand the extent of those horrific crimes and, indeed, the complexities of how child grooming actually happens at a local level. I ask him to join me in my calls for that and to outline how we can support victims better locally.
The Government believes it is right for individual authorities to commission local inquiries. The Government welcomes Bradford's work through its recent review and urges local authority and police to understand current threats and safeguard children at risk while prosecuting offenders. Additionally, the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse continues to investigate public bodies for protection of children.
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Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not directly address the specific call for a Rotherham-style inquiry in Bradford.
My Hon. Friend Is A Tireless Advocate On Behalf Of His Constituents In Raising These Most Distressing Matters.
Response accuracy