Mayoral response to Baroness Casey’s audit report on grooming gangs

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, responds to Baroness Casey’s audit report on grooming gangs.

"Violence against women and girls is endemic in our society. Sexual exploitation and abuse is a horrific crime. Predators who groom children must be stopped and brought to justice.

"I welcome the Home Secretary's announcement today that she will change the law to avoid punishing the victims of these crimes while making sure perpetrators pay.

“Here in West Yorkshire our actions are led by the victims and survivors. This has led to 210 perpetrators sentenced to more than 2,300 years over the past decade, with more to come.

"We welcome Baroness Casey’s tireless work on this issue. We are already reaching out to victims to ensure their voices are heard by the inquiry. This must be done swiftly to ensure the perpetrators pay for these disgusting crimes.

“We will not be deterred from our mission to eliminate misogyny and violence against women and girls.”