Latest news with #EmilyVaughn
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
Grooming gangs victim says Wales needs own inquiry
A survivor of child sexual exploitation has repeated her call for a Wales-specific inquiry into the woman, who goes by the pseudonym Emily Vaughn, had her experiences shared in the Senedd earlier this year by the Welsh Conservatives as they pushed Welsh ministers to instigate an inquiry the UK government's decision to launch one covering Wales and England, she said Wales needed to "wake up" to the fact that abuse did not stop at Senedd voted against Tory calls for a Wales-specific inquiry in January, but unanimously supported a Plaid Cymru amendment that Welsh ministers should consider one and also carry out an audit of cases with police. The prime minister announced an inquiry to cover Wales and England on the weekend, following a report from Baroness Louise Casey, who led an audit into abuse and report was published on Monday alongside a statement in the Commons from Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Ms Vaughn, who is now in her 30s, said she was first groomed at the age of 11 and abused from the age of said she was trafficked to Telford, Blackpool and within Wales, and was raped a statement, she said: "It is time for Wales to wake up to the truth that grooming, sexual exploitation and organised abuse do not stop at regional borders."Survivors in Wales have long been silenced, overlooked, or forced to seek justice through systems not built with their experiences in mind."While inquiries have been launched in England and other parts of the UK, the specific cultural, institutional, and social factors unique to Wales have yet to be properly investigated or addressed."There needs to be an independent public inquiry into grooming gangs and systemic sexual exploitation in Wales." Ms Vaughn later clarified that there should be a Wales-specific inquiry which should: "look at children trafficked into Wales and around Wales for both sexual and criminal exploitation".Senedd Conservative leader Darren Millar said on Monday that he welcomed the UK government's inquiry, but it was long overdue and it vindicated people such as Ms Vaughn. A freedom of information request made by BBC Wales in March revealed Welsh police forces had identified no current widespread issues with grooming Welsh government said on Monday it welcomed the new inquiry and would: "consider its recommendations in full to inform our actions"."Our ten-year Strategy for Preventing and Responding to Child Sexual Abuse is due out for public consultation shortly," it added. "There are four strands to the strategy which are prevention, protection, supporting children and young people and their families, and supporting adult survivors."
The Independent
12-02-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Inquiry into child exploitation should be ‘considered,' Senedd agrees
Calls for the Welsh government to consider an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs in Wales has seen unanimous support in the Senedd. However, an amendment put forward by Plaid and supported by Labour, called for Welsh police forces to conduct an immediate audit first. Following the audit, and 'in light of the evidence gathered' the Welsh government will then 'consider' a full independent inquiry. The motion was brought forward by Conservative MS Altaf Hussain, who said his party was 'deeply touched' by the story of a young woman who has experienced sexual exploitation as a child and has called for an independent inquiry. We need a Wales-wide inquiry to get a grip with the problems here at home. As a proud Welshman, not by birth, but by conviction, I want my Wales safe - safe for our families, our children, and children's children Altaf Hussain, MS for South Wales West He praised the woman, who has been given the pseudonym Emily Vaughn and spoke to the BBC about her experiences in January, for her 'courage'. Mr Hussain said: 'If anything good can come from her horrendous ordeal, it is that she advocates for other victims, and is actually campaigning to ensure no one else suffers the abuse that she endured. 'She has condemned those seeking to shut down debate on child sexual exploitation and grooming gangs.' He added: 'We need a Wales-wide inquiry to get a grip with the problems here at home. 'As a proud Welshman, not by birth, but by conviction, I want my Wales safe, safe for our families, our children, and children's children. 'Grooming gangs are not limited to any one group, they come from all walks of life, from all races and religions.' Plaid's Sioned Williams MS said past failures must be learned from and victims and survivors listened to, stressing it should not be a 'political issue'. 'We must ensure that the best way of achieving action and accountability is taken for the sake of victims and survivors,' she said. 'Their shocking suffering of sexual violence and abuse must never be forgotten or played down.' Jane Hutt, the social justice secretary, responded on behalf of the Welsh Labour government. She insisted her party was implementing recommendations from a previous UK-wide inquiry into child exploitation led by Professor Alexis Jay. Ms Hutt said they are developing a 10-year strategy, influenced by victims and survivors, for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse, which will be consulted on shortly. She also highlighted the work of the UK government, which includes 'commissioning Baroness Louise Casey to oversee a rapid audit of the current scale and nature of organised networks across England and Wales'. She said the debate had shone light on the issue, calling any case of sexual exploitation or grooming a 'tragedy'. The Conservatives' motion was defeated 13 in favour to 34 against. Plaid's amendment calling for an initial audit before the Welsh government consider an inquiry was backed unanimously.
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Inquiry into child exploitation should be ‘considered,' Senedd agrees
Calls for the Welsh government to consider an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs in Wales has seen unanimous support in the Senedd. However, an amendment put forward by Plaid and supported by Labour, called for Welsh police forces to conduct an immediate audit first. Following the audit, and 'in light of the evidence gathered' the Welsh government will then 'consider' a full independent inquiry. The motion was brought forward by Conservative MS Altaf Hussain, who said his party was 'deeply touched' by the story of a young woman who has experienced sexual exploitation as a child and has called for an independent inquiry. He praised the woman, who has been given the pseudonym Emily Vaughn and spoke to the BBC about her experiences in January, for her 'courage'. Mr Hussain said: 'If anything good can come from her horrendous ordeal, it is that she advocates for other victims, and is actually campaigning to ensure no one else suffers the abuse that she endured. 'She has condemned those seeking to shut down debate on child sexual exploitation and grooming gangs.' He added: 'We need a Wales-wide inquiry to get a grip with the problems here at home. 'As a proud Welshman, not by birth, but by conviction, I want my Wales safe, safe for our families, our children, and children's children. 'Grooming gangs are not limited to any one group, they come from all walks of life, from all races and religions.' Plaid's Sioned Williams MS said past failures must be learned from and victims and survivors listened to, stressing it should not be a 'political issue'. 'We must ensure that the best way of achieving action and accountability is taken for the sake of victims and survivors,' she said. 'Their shocking suffering of sexual violence and abuse must never be forgotten or played down.' Jane Hutt, the social justice secretary, responded on behalf of the Welsh Labour government. She insisted her party was implementing recommendations from a previous UK-wide inquiry into child exploitation led by Professor Alexis Jay. Ms Hutt said they are developing a 10-year strategy, influenced by victims and survivors, for preventing and responding to child sexual abuse, which will be consulted on shortly. She also highlighted the work of the UK government, which includes 'commissioning Baroness Louise Casey to oversee a rapid audit of the current scale and nature of organised networks across England and Wales'. She said the debate had shone light on the issue, calling any case of sexual exploitation or grooming a 'tragedy'. The Conservatives' motion was defeated 13 in favour to 34 against. Plaid's amendment calling for an initial audit before the Welsh government consider an inquiry was backed unanimously.
BBC News
12-02-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Welsh abuse gang inquiry should be considered, says Senedd
David Deans Political reporter, BBC Wales News Cemlyn Davies Political correspondent, BBC Wales News Getty Images There has been a call for a Wales-wide inquiry into grooming gangs The Senedd has unanimously called for a Wales inquiry into child sexual exploitation by gangs to be considered by the Welsh government. But Plaid Cymru and Labour rejected demands from the Tories for such an exercise to definitely take place, instead arguing for police evidence to be reviewed first. It follows calls from a survivor for an investigation into the extent of the problem in Wales. "We all have got a moral duty to ensure those who commit these crimes face justice," Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar said. The Welsh government has previously said it has had assurances from all four police forces in Wales that there are currently no "widespread issues with grooming gangs". Wednesday's debate followed angry scenes in the Senedd in January when Millar was told by Presiding Officer Elin Jones to "tone down" a question about grooming gangs. He had been discussing the case of a victim known by the pseudonym Emily Vaughn. Now in her 30s, Emily Vaughn said that she was first groomed at the age of 11 and then abused from the age of 14. She told BBC Wales in January that she was trafficked to Telford, Blackpool and within Wales, and was raped "almost every single day". 'Silver lining' Her case was raised again during Wednesday's debate which took place after the Conservatives laid a motion calling on the Welsh government to "commission an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation" Altaf Hussain, MS for South Wales West, said: "Her courage to call for an independent inquiry into child sexual exploitation by grooming gangs has inspired us to bring forward this motion today." "Emily's story has somewhat of a silver lining," he said. "If anything good can come from her horrendous ordeal, it is that she advocates for other victims, and is actually campaigning to ensure no-one else suffers the abuse that she endured." He said a Wales-wide inquiry into the issue would help "get to grips with the problems here at home". "I want my Wales safe, safe for our families, our children, and children's children," he added. The leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds, who previously worked in children's safeguarding, said: "We all know that this is an absolutely appalling issue, and it's an appalling issue that is going on right now in our towns, in our communities, in our villages, and it is right that we are talking about it." 'Must not be political' Plaid Cymru MS Sioned Williams said: "We must absolutely not make this a political issue, and we must ensure that the best way of achieving action and accountability is taken for the sake of victims and survivors. She also highlighted concerns raised recently by the Children's Commissioner for Wales about the lack of progress in implementing recommendations from a previous inquiry into child sexual exploitation. Responding to the debate on behalf of the Welsh government, Social Justice Secretary Jane Hutt said ministers were implementing those recommendations. She also outlined the recent steps announced by the UK government to address concerns around child sexual exploitation including a review of grooming gang evidence to be chaired by Dame Louise Casey, as well as five local inquires - in Oldham and four other areas yet to be announced. Hutt told the Senedd that Dame Casey's audit "will make recommendations about further analysis, investigations and actions that are needed to address current and historical failures, including in Wales". The Conservatives' motion was defeated by 34 votes to 13. However, a Plaid Cymru amendment which called on the Welsh government to work with police forces on an "all-Wales audit", was backed unanimously. The amended motion also said that ministers should "consider commissioning a full independent inquiry in light of the evidence gathered by the audit".
Associated Press
27-01-2025
- Lifestyle
- Associated Press
Celebrate Cresswind DeLand's First Anniversary
Join Us for a Special Celebration of This Milestone Event DELAND, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / January 27, 2025 / Kolter Homes is thrilled to mark the one-year anniversary of Cresswind DeLand, a premier 55 plus community in Florida. This milestone celebrates a year of providing active adults with a vibrant and welcoming community. Over the past year, residents have enjoyed thoughtfully designed homes and an award-winning lifestyle that sets Cresswind DeLand apart. As we reflect on this achievement, we look forward to continuing to enhance the quality of life for our residents and welcoming new members to our community. To commemorate this milestone, Kolter Homes is hosting a special event on February 1st from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Cresswind DeLand. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore designer-decorated model homes, meet current residents, and experience the vibrant community spirit that defines Cresswind DeLand. Emily Vaughn, Community Director, shared her excitement: 'We are thrilled to celebrate the first anniversary of Cresswind DeLand. This community has quickly become a cherished home for many, and we look forward to welcoming new residents who will continue to enrich our vibrant and active community.' Cresswind DeLand features a distinctive collection of new construction homes in DeLand, Florida, designed for active adults, providing top-tier personalization with at least 25 Kolter Structural Options (KSO) per plan, ranging from 2 to 5 bedrooms. Cresswind DeLand is in an ideal location, conveniently located near downtown DeLand, offering residents easy access to a vibrant area filled with shops, restaurants, cultural attractions, and entertainment options. Cresswind DeLand is one of the premier active adult communities near Orlando, offering convenient access to shopping, dining, beaches, and entertainment options. Club Cresswind serves as the heart of social and recreational activities, providing ample opportunities for residents to engage with their neighbors and pursue their interests. Cresswind DeLand residents will enjoy a resident-exclusive clubhouse with amenities such as pickleball and tennis courts, walking trails, a resort-style pool, a resistance pool and spa, and a dock on Lake Winnemissett. The full-time Lifestyle Director ensures a calendar full of activities designed for the 55-plus lifestyle, promoting fitness, social engagement, and entertainment. Cresswind DeLand is designed to cater to the needs and desires of active adults, providing a range of amenities and activities that promote a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. The Kolter Group LLC (together with its affiliates, 'Kolter'), based in Delray Beach, Florida, is a private investment firm focused on real estate development and investment. Led by CEO Robert 'Bobby' Julien, Kolter operates four residential development business units and has sponsored over $29 billion of realized and in-process residential real estate projects throughout the southeastern United States (including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee). Kolter has completed 99 residential projects, delivering over 27,800 units. Kolter has current investments in 91 residential projects expected to deliver a total of over 65,500 units. Kolter Homes LLC (together with its affiliates, 'Kolter Homes'), is focused on the development, construction, and sale of 500-1,500 for-sale single-family units, often as Cresswind-branded, age-restricted, amenity-rich master-planned communities, with additional focus on smaller, traditional and age-targeted add-on communities of 100-500 homes. Kolter Homes has sponsored over $16 billion of realized and in-process real estate projects throughout the southeastern United States.
