Telford child sex abuse: Reporter hits back at 'fag packet' research claim
One of the journalists behind the claims that 1,000 children could have suffered sexual abuse over 40 years in Telford has hit back at claims that her report was based on “back of a fag packet” research.
Geraldine McKelvie was responding to claims by Andrew Mason, the independent chair of Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Children Board.
She is one of the Sunday Mirror journalists who contributed to the newspaper’s investigation earlier this month, and she objected to claims that the report was “misleading”.
Mr Mason said: “It’s been claimed we are the worst in the country, we are not the worst in the country. These accusations that have been made are based on inappropriate use of statistics and quite frankly misleading statistics.
“I’ve been trying to find the basis for that figure of 1,000. We are in a situation where Telford is being maligned as the capital of child sexual abuse on the basis of an estimate on the back of a fag packet, which I think is quite disgusting.
See also:
National inquiry into child sex abuse coming to Telford
“We shouldn’t get obsessed with figures. I can honestly say I think Telford & Wrekin is probably one of the most advanced areas in dealing with this issue and dealing with it a comprehensive way. People work incredibly well and exchange information very well.”
Mr Mason made the remarks on a BBC discussion panel.
In response Ms McKelvie said on Twitter: “First of all, we have made it clear we are referring to cases over a 40-year period. At no point did we claim there were 1,000 active cases in Telford now.
"We looked at numbers of alleged victims from each year, the average length of time their abuse lasted, and the police’s own figures on CSE.
Asian victims
"We also spoke to Asian victims. Many of these women told us people from their community were highly unlikely to come forward due to the stigma attached – another group of victims who will not be covered by any official figures.
“Sexual abuse and rape in general are some of the most underreported crimes. Many of these girls have been groomed so effectively they do not realise they are victims even many years later – again they won’t be in any official figures.
“And many of those who did come forward were treated with contempt and branded ‘prostitutes’ – which means they are unlikely to have faith in the authorities or disclose any further abuse. Hope this helps clarify that no fag packets were involved.”
