Debate over sex abuse race link

THE conviction of 18 people at Newcastle Crown Court for crimes related to the abuse of girls and young women has sparked debate.

Nearly 300 people were victims.

MP Sarah Champion, Labour’s shadow minister for women and equalities, said there was a need to “acknowledge” that perpetrators in this and other cases had been of British Pakistani origin.

She said: “We have got now, hundreds of Pakistani men who have been convicted of this crime, why are we not commissioning research to see what is going on and how we need to change what is going on.” Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah said on her website: “Anyone who identifies sexual abuse and exploitation crimes with the Muslim community is not only doing Islam and the community an immense disservice, they are undermining the safety of women and girls in this city. Assuming that grooming and child abuse is prevalent in one group helps potential abusers hide in plain sight if they are not part of that group.

“Crimes of sexual exploitation can be and are committed by members of all communities.” Sarah Champion