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Insights / News
The hearing – which is being conducted entirely remotely – examines institutional responses to child sexual exploitation by organised networks in England and Wales. Sexual exploitation of children is a form of child sexual abuse involving exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where a child receives something, as a result of sexual activities. An ‘organised network’ involves two or more individuals who are known or associated with one another, and known to be involved in or facilitate the sexual exploitation of children.
The hearing is primarily looking at six areas: Durham, Swansea, Warwickshire, St Helen’s, Tower Hamlets and Bristol. Particular themes on which the investigation will be focused include the disruption of perpetrators, the approach to missing children, the approach to male victims and children with disabilities, and the empathy and concern shown to child victims.
Today, Paul is questioning two academics who specialise in child sexual exploitation research – Dr Helen Beckett from University of Bedfordshire and Dr Sophie Hallett from University of Cardiff. Tomorrow, he will be questioning Michael Banks, the Independent Chair of the Durham Safeguarding Children Partnership. Over the two-week hearing, the investigation will be hearing from complainant witnesses who have been sexually exploited, senior police officers, senior officers within local authorities, third-sector specialists, government witnesses, and inspectorates.
The proceedings of the investigation are being live streamed on the Inquiry’s website.
Paul has been instructed as one of a team of counsel to the Inquiry since 2016. He has previously appeared as Junior Counsel to the Inquiry’s investigation into the Child Migration Programmes, and appeared alongside other members of chambers in the investigation into the Nottinghamshire Councils.
To find out more or to instruct Paul, please contact Nick Levett (+44 (0)20 7427 4908) or Adam Macdonald (+44 (0)20 7427 4906)
News 22 Sep, 2020