Expert Calls For Focus On Those Affected

Authorities have been urged by child abuse lawyers to ensure that victims who allegedly suffered at the hands of the late Liberal Democrat MP Sir Cyril Smith are able to get the support they need, following Greater Manchester Police’s statement that the politician was an abuser.

The police force has stated publicly that the overwhelming evidence gathered meant it was “right and proper” to state that boys were abused by Sir Cyril, adding that files were passed to the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Crown Prosecution Service on three occasions.

While no prosecution was pursued, both the police and the CPS have stated that it is likely Sir Cyril would have been prosecuted if presented today.

Following the revelations, Tracey Storey, a Partner at Irwin Mitchell who specialises in representing victims of abuse, has urged that local authorities and the police work to ensure that those abused by Sir Cyril get all of the support they need following their ordeals.

She outlined: “The past couple of months have brought child abuse into the spotlight and shocked everyone with some of the names who have been mentioned in relation to the issue.

“We have been contacted by many people affected by abuse in recent months, with the high-profile cases encouraging victims to come forward and speak out about the problems they have faced – often many years after the abuse occurred.

“Following Greater Manchester Police’s announcement on this, it is vital that those affected are given the support they need to come to terms with the terrible traumas they have endured.

“An equally important issue will be ensuring that lessons are learned from this terrible case so that the same problems seen in this case are simply not repeated again.”