On the petition, Emily Vaughn writes: “I was the victim of sexual exploitation by grooming gangs. I know that this practice is more prevalent that the authorities acknowledged.
“I believe the Welsh Government should undertake an inquiry to see how widespread the problem is and to support victims in Wales.”
The petition currently has over 600 signatures. Any petitions with more than 250 signatures will be discussed by the Senedd’s Petitions Committee after they have finished collecting signatures. Petitions with more than 10,000 signatures will be considered for a debate in the Senedd.
The Welsh Conservatives have backed the calls for an inquiry and are encouraging members of the public across Wales to sign the petition.
Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Darren Millar MS, said: “There is clear and concerning evidence of the sexual exploitation of young girls by grooming gangs here in Wales but what we don’t know is the full extent of the problem.
“We owe it to Emily and other brave victims to leave no stone unturned in investigating this problem and bringing the evil perpetrators of such crimes to account, and that is why we are backing her petition for a Wales-wide inquiry.
“Politicians must put party politics aside, come together to support victims of abuse, and ensure that we do everything we can to prevent the appalling sexual exploitation suffered by Emily and others.
“We know from what has already been exposed in Swansea and elsewhere in the UK, that simply accepting the assurances of the police and local councils that grooming gangs are not operating in their areas is not good enough.
“Only a Wales-wide inquiry will be able to ensure that there is sufficient attention and focus being given to this issue, and that our children can be protected from predatory behaviour.”
(Lead image: Pexels)
