Grooming Gangs Taskforce has rescued 4,000 children and led to hundreds of arrests in its fight against child sexual exploitation.

In its inaugural year, the Grooming Gangs Taskforce has made significant strides in tackling child sexual exploitation, leading to over 550 arrests of suspected child predators. Established in April 2023 by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the taskforce has also been instrumental in safeguarding more than 4,000 victims from sexual abuse across England and Wales.

The taskforce, a specialist unit comprised of highly skilled officers and experts, collaborates with all 43 police forces in the region. Their focus is on preventing grooming gangs and enhancing investigations into child sexual exploitation. The success of this initiative has been a result of the team’s commitment and collaboration with local law enforcement.

Home Secretary James Cleverly visited Essex Police’s headquarters on Monday, praising the ongoing efforts of the police forces involved. He stated, “When children are being abused, we must use every available resource to protect them. In just one year, the taskforce’s dedication, together with local policing efforts, has not only resulted in more than 550 arrests but also ensured the safety of thousands of children.”

Cleverly also highlighted further measures in the government’s ongoing efforts to combat such abuse. Through the Criminal Justice Bill, all professionals will be legally required to report suspected abuse to the police, while sex offenders will no longer be able to evade justice by changing their names.

The taskforce, backed by the National Crime Agency and led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, functions as a permanent, operational police unit funded by the Home Office. Its primary mission is to enhance how police forces investigate grooming gangs and protect vulnerable children from abuse.

With more than 400 officers trained in this field, the taskforce plans to increase its presence and mobilise additional officers over the coming months to continue identifying and apprehending child sex offenders.

Mark Russell, CEO of The Children’s Society, spoke about the importance of providing safe spaces for children, enabling them to heal and offer crucial evidence in the judicial process. He also praised the ongoing collaboration between charities, the police, and other organisations.

Gabrielle Shaw, CEO of the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac), added her support, noting the importance of integrating victims’ voices into the taskforce’s work. Shaw emphasised that the ultimate goal is to ensure that victims are heard, believed, and supported, with justice processes designed to meet their needs.

The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies, charities, and governmental bodies continue to make significant strides in protecting children from abuse, while also respecting the unique needs and experiences of victims. The taskforce remains committed to its mission of safeguarding children and dismantling grooming gangs.