Greater Manchester Police apologises to Rochdale abuse survivors

13/04/22

The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, Stephen Watson QPM, has met and personally apologised to three victims of grooming gangs in Rochdale for a catalogue of failings in their treatment.  The three women have also received a substantial settlement of damages for a historic claim launched against Greater Manchester Police in 2019. 

All three women were the subject of horrific childhood sexual exploitation, which the Police failed to address. Indeed, two victims were repeatedly treated as criminals by the authorities. 

To all three of the victims, the Chief Constable stated: ‘It is a matter of profound personal regret that your childhood was so cruelly impacted by the dreadful experiences which you endured. GMP could, and should, have done much more to protect you and we let you down.’

The apologies have been widely covered in the press, and can be found on the Centre for Women’s Justice website, alongside further information about the case.