Survivors speak out at Telford meeting over child sex abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation have been speaking up at a meeting.
Speakers joined victims to talk about the issue in Telford, which was arranged by Voicing CSA.
Ironbridge councillor Nicola Lowery attended and used her speech to insist victims must be central to the forthcoming inquiry ordered by Telford & Wrekin Council.
She said: “I would like to thank Voicing CSA for holding this meeting as only together we will ensure we identify the recommendations and solutions for real change, not just here in Telford but on a national level.
“At Telford and Wrekin Council, we need to get the inquiry right for survivors of child sexual exploitation and abuse.
“As mentioned in my talk, it is absolutely vital CSE survivors are a part of the independent inquiry here in Telford, similar to the victims and survivors consultative panel (VSCP) of the independent inquiry into childhood sexual abuse and that we have long-term specialist support for our survivors.
“Telford has the opportunity to learn from other inquiries, to become a blueprint for the future and to lead the way in ensuring local and national change – but we can only do this together.”
Speakers at the event included founder Phil Lafferty, Voicing CSA patron Chris Harper, Danny Wolsyencroft from Shatter Boys UK, co-founder of Nottinghamshire’s child sexual abuse survivors group Mandy Coupland,Chris Tuck – survivor, author and consultant to the National Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse – and Mandy Sanghera, human right activist and motivational speaker.
For further information about Voicing CSA visit voicingcsa.uk
