Survivors of sexual-exploitation gangs in England and Wales are increasingly losing trust in the upcoming national inquiry into grooming networks. The probe — announced earlier this year — is already facing major upheaval, casting doubt on its ability to deliver justice.
Resignations and Raised Alarm
Several survivors appointed to an advisory panel have stepped down. One prominent survivor expressed serious concerns about the backgrounds of two leading candidates proposed to chair the inquiry: one with a policing background, another from social-work. She argued that both sectors had been implicated in failures to protect children, and said the association “raises red flags” about the process being truly independent. Eventually both shortlisted candidates withdrew, citing a lack of confidence and consensus among the survivor community.
Perceived Treatment of Survivors
Several survivors say they were treated with contempt, marginalised or ignored by officials managing the inquiry process. One described feeling “gas-lit” and manipulated, adding that her faith in institutions had been “destroyed”.
Another cited a “toxic, fearful environment” and condemned controlling language used by some officials.
Fears of a Diluted Inquiry
At the heart of the distrust is the belief that the inquiry’s remit is being extended in such a way that it might lose focus on the specific abuses victims say they suffered. Survivors fear the probe — originally intended to examine group-based sexual exploitation — might transform into something more diffuse and thus less powerful.
One survivor argued the expansion of scope could “downplay the racial and religious motivations” behind certain crimes. Government ministers deny any watering-down is underway and say the inquiry will remain “laser-focused” and “robust”.
Family Voices and Calls for a Fresh Start
The father of a victim described how faith in the process has been lost entirely. He said families — who often have to engage with the agencies — are being sidelined and urged that the inquiry should be relaunched from scratch, with family representatives included.
Government Response
The Home Secretary has reiterated that the inquiry will not have its terms weakened, and that it will be able to compel witnesses and examine both ethnicity and religion in relation to the offending. However, the Prime Minister declined to name the chair or confirm that a judge would lead the inquiry, citing concerns about delay if criminal proceedings must finish first.
Why This Matters
- Survivors’ trust is critical for an inquiry of this nature to succeed. Without meaningful engagement and confidence, the process may lack legitimacy.
- If the inquiry is perceived as diluted, it risks failing to uncover systemic failure and allowing institutions to evade accountability.
- For families and victims, time is not the only issue — what matters is the belief that the process will be fair, transparent and powerful enough to effect change.
In short: key stakeholders are disengaging from the inquiry before it has properly begun. They warn that unless authorities rebuild trust, the process may fail the very people it was designed to serve.
