I wanted justice over grooming gangs – the government called me a liar

Earlier this week, I resigned from the liaison panel of the national inquiry into grooming gangs.

I quit alongside my fellow child sexual abuse survivor Fiona Goddard, and later this week three more followed, as well as an expert. It has been an emotionally and physically draining time.

As a survivor, I knew it was morally right to speak publicly about my experiences at the hands of grooming gangs. I knew it might be the best chance to raise awareness about grooming gangs, informing the public about an active problem in our country.

We have been swept under the carpet for decades, and in the process of the inquiry, we’ve faced challenges from the government, and specifically Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who I believe has done survivors a significant disservice. Phillips said tha