NSPCC: Oxford authorities took too long to act

The NSPCC says that the authorities in Oxfordshire did not take action soon enough to stop the abuse of young vulenerable women in care.

Peter Wanless, the NSPCC CEO said: "“Whilst we recognise the authorities in Oxford did eventually take effective and coordinated action, this took far too long".

"There was a systematic failure to stop the gang earlier and protect the girls who raised the alarm on several occasions".

"The trial revealed that staff knew one of the girls was being sexually groomed yet no immediate action was taken".

" We need a fundamental shift in how the system treats vulnerable young people with all carers acting as good parents would when children are at risk".

“The positive development from all of this is that professionals are now treating the girls as victims and not delinquent children".