Oxford grooming gang survivors speak out about lasting impact of abuse

Survivors of grooming gang abuse in Oxford have spoken about the lasting impact of what happened to them and their concerns that many of those responsible have never faced justice.

A new BBC Panorama investigation heard from three women who were sexually exploited and abused as children in Oxford. While 21 men have been convicted in connection with grooming gang abuse in the city, the survivors believe many more perpetrators remain free.

Their experiences are a powerful reminder that the impact of child sexual exploitation can continue long after the abuse itself has ended. Survivors described continuing to see men they say were involved in their abuse in and around Oxford.

The survivors have spoken out ahead of the first public hearings of the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, which are expected to begin later this year. The Inquiry will examine the sexual abuse and exploitation of children by grooming gangs, including how institutions responded and where children were failed.

At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we act for survivors of grooming gang abuse, including survivors who experienced abuse in Oxford. Two of our clients have also been granted Core Participant status in the Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, ensuring their experiences can form part of the Inquiry’s work and its examination of how survivors were failed.

The Inquiry is an important opportunity to understand how children were failed and, crucially, what needs to change. Survivors must be at the heart of that process and have the opportunity to make their voices heard.

If you are reading this as someone who has experienced sexual abuse, whether recently or many years ago, support is available. Speaking to someone does not mean you have to make a report. If you would like to talk through what happened or explore what support might look like for you, our abuse team is here to listen in complete confidence.