An inquiry into institutional responses to the sexual exploitation of children by organised networks.
The systematic grooming and sexual abuse of children by groups of offenders in cities and towns of England and Wales is widespread. Building upon the body of work on child sexual exploitation following specific instances in places such as Devon and Cornwall, Oxford, Rochdale, Rotherham, and Telford, this investigation will assess the extent to which a wide range of relevant authorities have learned lessons, implemented recommendations, and put in place effective strategies to prevent child sexual exploitation in future.
We will consider whether the police and other agencies are using civil prevention orders effectively; whether the current regulation of the night-time economy and taxi licensing is effective in protecting children from abuse; and whether the criminal justice system is treating victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation appropriately.