Child abuse ‘still a hidden problem’

POLICE and crime commissioner Tony Lloyd described child sexual exploitation as a “scourge on our communities” as a groundbreaking campaign to protect children was launched by police.

The “It’s Not Okay” drive comes weeks after a report by Professor Alexis Jay outlined how 1,400 children in Rotherham were abused between 1997-2013.

Joyce Thacker, director of children's services at Rotherham Council, left her role by mutual consent.

Mr Lloyd said: “Child sexual exploitation is a scourge on our communities. We all have a responsibility to protect our children and young people.

“Despite the recent media coverage it is still a hidden problem. By raising awareness we can encourage people to speak out and play a part in keeping our children safe.”

Under Project Phoenix, there are teams dealing with child sexual exploitation in each of the 10 districts of Greater Manchester. Oldham’s is Operation Messenger.