Trafford Conservatives Raise Alarm Over Rising Cases of Child Sexual Exploitation in Trafford
Trafford - In light of the ongoing national conversation about grooming gangs, Trafford Conservatives have requested and reviewed local data on Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) and are alarmed by the startling rise in cases within the borough. Between 2021 and 2024, the number of reported CSE cases has surged by an astonishing 827.27%.
The data reveals a concerning trend, with 102 cases reported in 2024 alone. This sharp increase raises serious questions for both the local community and the authorities responsible for safeguarding children in Trafford.
While grooming and CSE have historically been associated with certain parts of Greater Manchester, such as Oldham and Rochdale, Trafford Conservatives are deeply concerned that the borough may now be facing its own growing crisis. The rise in cases over the past three years underscores the urgency of addressing this issue before it escalates further.
Councillor Nathan Evans, Leader of Trafford Conservatives, stressed the gravity of the situation:
"One case of child sexual exploitation is one too many. The rapid increase in reported cases over the last few years is deeply worrying, and we must understand why this is happening. It is especially concerning that all of Trafford's Labour MPs in Altrincham and Sale West, Stretford and Urmston, and Wythenshawe and Sale East voted against a public inquiry into this issue. As Conservative councillors, we will not be complacent when it comes to the safety of our young people."
Additionally, the Complex Safeguarding Annual Report for 2022-23 raised alarm over ‘evidence of victim-blaming language’ in the handling of cases. Trafford Conservatives believe this issue must be addressed urgently. In the field of child protection, victim-blaming is not only harmful but counterproductive to efforts to prevent and address exploitation. It is critical that all those working in child safeguarding are vigilant in ensuring such harmful attitudes are not perpetuated.
Trafford Conservatives are calling for immediate action from Trafford Labour. We demand to know what law enforcement and child protection services have been involved in addressing this issue, and why this alarming data has not been raised with councillors or subjected to a thorough investigation. We will not rest until Trafford Labour, who control the council, can assure us that every young person in the borough is safe from exploitation.
