Independent Review in Rochdale Child Sexual Exploitation vindicates whistle blowers and confirms shocking failures and cover ups by police and social services

On Monday 15th January, the independent review team commissioned by Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, in 2017, published the findings of their review into the investigation, prosecution and prevention of non-recent child sexual exploitation in Rochdale.  The report is damming of Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and Rochdale Social Services, revealing failings not just at an individual level but throughout both organizations confirming a litany of failings and cover ups, including strategic decisions not to resource investigations.

The report completely vindicates our founder and Chair, Maggie Oliver, and sexual health worker Sara Rowbotham, who both fought tirelessly in their efforts to uncover these failings and ensure proper protection of the victims.

Read Maggie’s response here.

You can watch the press conference for the publication of the report here (Maggie speaks from 53 minutes):

A full copy of the report is available to read here: www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/media/9148/operation-span-report-january-2024-v3.pdf

We are grateful to Gary and Malcolm, the review team, for their thorough review and determination to find the truth, often in the face of significant attempts to block this.  It does make the report a harrowing read however, so please look after yourselves if you do read it.

Maggie has given numerous interviews to the media, as has a survivor being supported by The Maggie Oliver Foundation who is still being failed by GMP today, a selection of which are linked below.  

www.itv.com/news/granada/2024-01-15/former-gmp-detective-maggie-oliver-says-grooming-still-happening-in-rochdale

www.channel4.com/news/rochdale-abuse-report-these-failures-still-exist-and-i-want-to-see-a-chief-constable-in-court-for-neglect-of-duty-says-former-detective

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001vcdj (listen from 7 minutes)

www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001vgkh/newsnight-who-wins-the-first-race-to-become-the-us-2024-republican-candidate (watch from 20 minutes)

We understand that coverage like this can be triggering for survivors and their loved ones.  Please contact us if you need support.  We are currently experiencing an influx of messages so please bear with us and we will respond as soon as we can.