Schools vital in fight against child sex exploitation

Reporter: Richard Hooton
Date published: 31 October 2014


MP’s call to head teachers

OLDHAM MP Debbie Abrahams is writing to local head teachers to urge them to help pupils combat child sexual exploitation.


The move follows publication yesterday of MP Ann Coffey’s report on CSE.

Ms Coffey completed an independent inquiry into the work undertaken to tackle CSE in Greater Manchester since the sickening acts of grooming gangs in Rochdale came to light in 2012 — which involved ringleaders Shabir Ahmed and Kabeer Hassan, both from Oldham.

Her report said CSE has become “a new social norm” in some parts of Greater Manchester and will not be tackled unless people stop blaming the victims. It called for a new approach to be led by young people.

Mrs Abrahams said: “One of the issues identified in the Real Voices report is that the sexualisation of children, even of primary school age, is becoming a social norm.

“We all have a role to address this and I will be writing to all head teachers in Oldham East and Saddleworth schools to ask them to commit to personal, social, health and economic education, including age appropriate relationship and sex education.”

The Labour MP has made tackling violence and sexual exploitation one of her top 10 priorities. She added: “The report has clearly been based on extensive engagement with children and young people, including those who’ve been affected by CSE.

“It has also looked at those agencies who provide services to support them, such as Oldham’s innovative Keeping Our Girls Safe project.

“Child sexual exploitation happens across the country and in all communities. It is unacceptable and must be stopped.”