Today, justice has finally been served for two incredibly brave survivors of the horrific abuse that took place in Rochdale over many years with connections to premises in Oldham and abusers from the town. The conviction of seven men for a range of appalling offences—including rape and indecent assault—marks a long-overdue recognition of the suffering these young women endured.
First and foremost, my thoughts are with the victims and survivors. Their courage in reliving traumatic experiences to ensure their abusers were held accountable is nothing short of remarkable. We owe them our gratitude, support, and respect.
This case has again laid bare historic and systemic failings—from institutions that should have protected vulnerable children, to individuals who dismissed or ignored clear signs of abuse. It is a stain on our collective conscience that these girls were failed so badly for so long.
Greater Manchester Police have rightly acknowledged these failings. It is vital they continue to act with transparency, urgency, and compassion—not just in this case, but in every case where justice has yet to be done.
Over a decade ago I called for transparency in exposing the abusers; being honest about the profile of offenders; mainly group based Pakistani men and the targeting of victims who were generally vulnerable white girls in high risk settings. You can read one of a number of articles I wrote at the time here; https://oldhamcouncil.wordpress.com/…/child-sexual…/
There can be no hiding place for abusers. No matter how long ago the offences took place, those responsible must be pursued, and victims given the confidence to come forward. It’s also self evidence from the case that there will be abusers still not held to account and I urge Greater Manchester Police to exhaust all avenues to bring them to book.
This case reinforces the need for lasting change: in how victims are treated, how services are resourced, and how institutions are held to account. I remain committed to working with survivors, campaigners, and authorities to ensure these lessons are not just learned—but acted upon.
If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse, please know that support is available. No one should suffer in silence.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 