The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs has announced an investigation in Wales.
The Inquiry is a national inquiry covering England and Wales. The investigation in Wales will provide an important opportunity to examine safeguarding and multi-agency responses, the operation of devolved arrangements, and cross-border working between organisations in Wales and England. Victims and survivors will be at the centre of the Inquiry’s approach. Evidence from this investigation will contribute to the Inquiry’s national findings and recommendations.
Why Wales is being investigated
The Inquiry’s Terms of Reference require it to consider group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse in Wales. The investigation will provide an important opportunity to examine safeguarding and multi-agency responses, the operation of devolved arrangements, and cross-border working between organisations in Wales and England.
What the Inquiry learns through this work will contribute to its national findings and recommendations.
What the investigation will examine
The Inquiry is developing the precise scope of its work in Wales, including specific areas of interest, and will provide further updates on its nature and extent as the investigation progresses.
The investigation will examine evidence relating to the sexual abuse and exploitation of children by grooming gangs, safeguarding and multi-agency responses, the operation of devolved arrangements, and cross-border working between organisations in Wales and England.
The Inquiry will gather and analyse evidence to understand what happened, how organisations responded, and what lessons can be learned. The Inquiry may publish findings and updates as the investigation progresses.
If you are a victim or survivor in Wales
Your experience matters. If you were abused or exploited in Wales, or if you are a family member or friend of someone who was, the Inquiry wants to hear from you.
You can choose how and whether to take part. You will not be pressured to do anything you are not comfortable with.
You will not be required to give formal evidence unless you want to. There are different ways to share your experience, and support is available at every stage.
