Oldham Council approves an inquiry into child abuse. Survivors worry about dying before justice is served.
The council plans a major inquiry like one in Telford. Government money will support this investigation, which could legally demand evidence and witness statements.
A prior inquiry had limits, as it relied on voluntary help from police and the council, making some documents unavailable. This new inquiry might face similar issues.
The Oldham Council vote to request a statutory inquiry occurred on February 12.
Amelia, a survivor, spoke to a local news service, saying councillors are finally listening to survivors who are united and persistent.
Amelia believes a statutory inquiry is vital and could compel evidence and testimony. She’ll fight for it with the Home Office, and wants the review to begin quickly. Amelia stated that victims die before their cases resolve, stressing this is not a game, but it consumes their lives daily.
Sarah’s son died at 28 after abuse. She can’t grieve, awaiting the court case and inquiry. Sarah fears dying before the inquiry concludes, and hopes the Home Office approves it.
Zak’s abuse wasn’t in the earlier review, which only covered 2011-2014, while his abuse was in 2007. Zak’s abuser was never brought to justice, and now elderly, he may die before facing jail.
Sarah and Amelia criticized a narrow national focus, stating it wrongly divides cases by ethnicity since the cases are more varied than that portrayal.
Lucia Rea, supports some survivors, having raised the issue years ago as a councillor, and advocates for specialized victim support. Rea expressed her satisfaction with the recent meeting, noting progress after years of conflict.
Rea believes this issue should be non-partisan, and wants greater unity on sensitive topics, which could reduce negativity in local politics. Lucia seeks increased specialized assistance for survivors.