The Metropolitan Police is gearing up to review a staggering 9,000 cases related to child sexual exploitation.
This extensive examination spans a 15-year timeline and follows Baroness Louise Casey’s investigation into the prevalence of grooming gangs across the UK.
According to the police, a significant number of these cases don’t align with the typical notion of grooming gang activities.
These cases include abuse among family members, peer-on-peer incidents, and exploitation occurring in institutional environments.
A representative from the Met stated, “Any sexual offense against children is despicable, but crimes that involve groups, denoted as ‘grooming gangs,’ are especially harmful due to their deep impact on the victims involved.”
Furthermore, the Met emphasized their serious approach to all allegations related to child sexual and criminal exploitation. They assured that investigations are conducted thoroughly, relying purely on evidence without bias.
Since 2022, the Metropolitan Police has implemented significant upgrades in how they report and investigate collective abuse cases.
These enhancements include training for 11,000 frontline officers and an increased focus on child exploitation teams.
Over the last year alone, the Met reported solving three times more cases related to child sexual exploitation, resulting in 134 additional suspects facing charges.
The spokesperson reiterated, “In line with the recommendations from Baroness Casey regarding a national reassessment of group-related child sexual exploitation, we are analyzing around 9,000 cases from the last 15 years.”
This inquiry incorporates many examples falling under the IICSA definitions, such as intra-familial, peer-on-peer abuse, and situations in institutional contexts, in addition to incidents that may not conform to the standard ‘grooming gang’ profile.
The Met also reaffirmed their unwavering dedication to protecting all victims from these horrendous crimes and pursuing justice against the offenders.
