Abuse fight must go on
11:48am Wednesday 12th March 2008
THE Lancashire Telegraph's Keep Them Safe campaign has secured another victory.
Yesterday, a multi-agency group was launched to tackle the problem of older men targeting girls for sex.
It was the latest success since the campaign's launch in July 2006.
The special Telegraph investigation revealed a growing number of girls were going missing from care or home regularly and being showered with gifts and attention before being forced to perform sex acts with up to 10 men a night.
Our findings helped to kick-start the authorities into action, with the police becoming the first to step up their efforts.
Some 17 months later, the Government announced an inquiry into the problem, which is still ongoing.
And now a multi-agency group, known as Engage, will bring together a host of organisations, such as the police, borough council, alcohol charity Lifeline, young people's advisory group Brook and the Lancashire Safeguarding Children Board.
Day to day it will be made up of two police officers, a drugs worker, sexual health adviser and two social workers.
What it means is that the vulnerable girls being exploited will get more help, while more focus will be put on tracking down the offenders to bring them before the courts.
This is fantastic news. The authorities now need to ensure this issue never slips off the agenda.
With a continued focus, we can beat the abusers.