A wave of anger and betrayal is sweeping through the community of survivors of grooming gang abuse. The government’s decision to dismantle the victims and survivors liaison panel – a crucial link between those harmed and the ongoing inquiry – has left many feeling silenced and disregarded.
The panel, established to ensure survivors’ voices were heard, was quietly shelved in January, just weeks after survivors voiced strong objections to the appointment of Anne Longfield as chair of the inquiry. This abrupt end has ignited accusations of a deliberate attempt to ignore the very people the inquiry is meant to serve.
Fiona Goddard, a survivor who bravely shared her story of abuse in Bradford, described the mood as “really mad.” Having resigned from the panel in October, she witnessed firsthand the growing disillusionment. “They felt betrayed and disrespected all over again,” Goddard explained, “told they had a voice, then having it snatched away.”
Another survivor, known only as “Jessica,” echoed this sentiment, stating the panel’s disbandment proved the government wasn’t truly considering the needs of victims. She believes the panel was created solely to create the illusion of engagement, a “box-ticking exercise” designed to quell dissent.
The initial promise of a survivors panel came in January of the previous year, a pledge to keep victims “at the very heart” of the government’s response to child sexual abuse. However, the announcement of a national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs in June was quickly followed by turmoil, including the resignation of four panel members and the withdrawal of potential chairs.
While the Home Office maintains the panel was always intended to be temporary, and that Baroness Longfield will now engage directly with survivors, critics argue this is a poor substitute for a dedicated, independent body. Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp condemned the move as “excluding survivors,” claiming their voices were ignored due to the sensitive nature of the perpetrators’ backgrounds.
The concerns extend beyond the panel’s dissolution. Survivors are also deeply troubled by the draft terms of reference for the inquiry, which limit its scope to cases from 2000 onwards and exclude investigations into every area affected by grooming gangs. Goddard labeled these limitations “an insult” and “weak,” fearing they will prevent the full truth from emerging.
“The truth is a lot worse than people think,” Goddard revealed, recounting stories that left her heartbroken. “People are scared of the truth coming out.” She fears a selective approach will shield those responsible and perpetuate a culture of silence.
The government insists the inquiry, equipped with full legal powers, is committed to uncovering the truth and providing answers for survivors. However, for many, the dismantling of the liaison panel represents a devastating setback, reinforcing a deep-seated feeling of being unheard and undervalued in the pursuit of justice.
The future remains uncertain, with survivors anxiously awaiting details of a promised long-term Child Sexual Abuse Victim and Survivor Panel. But for those who have already been let down, trust is fragile, and the fight for genuine accountability continues.
