Inquiry in pledge to Telford child sex abuse victims

The Truth Project will visit the county at the end of the month, part of the national Jay Inquiry into child sexual exploitation.

Its visit comes following claims about the problem being centred around Telford.

But project leader David Poole said victims from across Shropshire would be welcomed and their evidence valued.

Mr Poole today pledged that evidence given in Shropshire would lead to change and ensure children are better protected.

He said: “The Jay Inquiry is bringing the Truth Project to Telford because we want victims and survivors of child sexual abuse to tell us both about their experiences and what they’d like to see change so that children are better protected in future.

"We know it takes real courage to speak to us about this, so I’d like to reassure everyone who is thinking about coming forward that emotional support is available.

“Anyone who decides to use our service will be given a dedicated support worker who will be there for them before, during and after your session.

“The feedback we have received so far from many of those that have come to the Truth Project is that they have felt heard.”

The Truth Project is visiting in response to claims hundreds of girls have been groomed and abused in Telford & Wrekin. It follows Operation Chalice, which saw seven men jailed in Telford in 2013.

A report last week also revealed there were 67 children identified as being ‘at risk’ within the Shropshire Council area.

"It said illegal drugs were being used to lure children, although there was no evidence of the crime being organised through gangs.

Evidence from the Truth Project will feed into the national Jay Inquiry into child sexual exploitation across the UK.

It has already visited other towns where the issue is deemed a problem, including Rotherham.

It will come to Telford at the end of May. Those wanting to give evidence are being asked to make contact and arrangements will be made for a confidential session to give evidence.

Telford & Wrekin Council has also announced its own separate inquiry which will run alongside the Truth Project.

Sabah Kaiser, a 43-year-old from Brighton, is one of those who has already given evidence to the Truth Project.

She today spoke of the empowering effect of giving evidence, adding: “It is only us that can tell them what happened, and this is what the institutions did, and how I was failed. It is only us that can tell them that.”

She explained that without the voices of victims, academics would dominate the inquiry, adding: “It is important I feel that if I as a survivor do not come forward then you will just have this inquiry which will just be a bunch of academics in a room discussing what needs to happen.

“For it to go deep into the issues you need survivors. The project not only covers your expenses, it even recognises that your home town might not be the best place for you to give evidence. They ask what you want the room to be like, who you want to give evidence to.”

Ms Kaiser reassured victims that if they choose to give evidence they will have support throughout the whole process.

To contact the Truth Project, call 0800 917 1000 or visit truthproject.org.uk.