Rotherham victims praised for ‘incredible bravery’ in reliving traumatic events
Authorities clamoured outside Sheffield Crown Court to praise victims for their “incredible bravery” in reliving their past trauma.
Temporary detective chief inspector Martin Tait, from South Yorkshire Police, called the verdicts a “crucial milestone for those victims and survivors who endured years of violence and horrific sexual abuse at the hands of these vile individuals”.
He said: “They have shown incredible bravery reliving vicious traumatic events for the courts.
“For their courage and support of this investigation I am eternally thankful, and can’t really express how pleased I am for them.
“Pleased that their voices have finally been heard, believed and that those responsible been publicly held to account for their crimes.”
Looking forward, he added: “If victims of sexual abuse come to the police we will help then, we will support them, and do everything we can to put these criminals responsible in prison where they belong.”
Ian Thomas, strategic director, Children and Young People’s Services, at Rotherham Council, made an impassioned plea for former and current victims of abuse to step forward.
He acknowledged that “some justice has been served today, for the few” but said that there was much more to do.
He said: “My message to them today is clear.
“If you have suffered abuse in the past, or indeed are suffering from abuse or exploitation now, step forward.
“I urge you – I implore you – to have confidence in a new Rotherham partnership today.”
David Greenwood, solicitor for 65 survivors of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, said that while the guilty verdicts were to be “welcomed”, it was “not cause for any kind of celebration”.
He said: “Many of the girls who have been affected by sexual abuse by gangs in Rotherham will be reminded of their traumatic experiences with the publicity surrounding these cases.
“My hope is that the girls affected are offered sufficient support in the long-term to enable them to rebuild their confidence and quality of life.
“We should remember that this trial is the first of many trials that will be taking place in the coming months and years.”
Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England, said: “Those who gave evidence about the horrific sexual abuse they suffered in Rotherham between 1987 and 2003 which led to the conviction of four men and two women today should be applauded for the incredible courage they have shown in doing so. I hope that justice being served will go some way to helping them to overcome the damage caused by their abusers.
“I very much welcome the decision to prosecute this complex case. Although the abuse took place some years ago, the case should serve as a reminder to us all that child sexual abuse has not gone away and that every attempt to stop it must be pursued. Adults working with children must be trained in identifying the signs of abuse and children supported to report it if they are able to do so.”
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2016, All Rights Reserved. Picture (C) Dave Higgens/PA Wire. From left to right: Peter Mann, CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, Temp DCI Martin Tait, South Yorkshire Police and Ian Thomas, Strategic Director Children and Young People’s Services, Rotherham Council.
