Simon Danczuk backs Kingsway Park students CSA campaign

Simon Danczuk MP meets pupils from Kingsway Park High School

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk has put his name to a student campaign to raise awareness of child sexual abuse (CSA).

The MP met pupils from Kingsway Park High School at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday and signed their petition calling for more action to tackle CSA.

Pupils drew up the petition as part of a GCSE Citizenship project. They have also written to Chief Superintendent Chris Sykes of Rochdale Police and designed their own posters.

Mr Danczuk, who has lead a high profile campaign against child abuse, explained his role as the town’s MP and outlined the work he does both in Rochdale and Westminster.

Mr Danczuk told the pupils: “In my weekly surgery I meet people with a wide variety of problems. One of the issues I see quite often is the very subject that you are campaigning on - people who have been victims of CSA.

“A lot of the work I’ve done on this is very similar to what you are doing.

“I’ve spoken to the police to ask them to commit more resources to tackling these sorts of crimes.

“I have also lobbied the Home Secretary Theresa May to make sure stopping CSA is high on the Government’s agenda.

“Finally, like you are doing, I’ve tried to raise awareness so that potential perpetrators are aware of the law and victims have the confidence to come forward.

“So in a way, we’re all working as a team to bring this issue to people’s attention.”

The youngsters also met with police officers and members of Rochdale Council’s Sunrise Team who discussed some of the difficulties with detecting and preventing CSA.

Teacher Leo Davies said: "Our pupils are extremely proud to be playing an active role in this important work.

“Meeting Mr Danczuk has been inspirational for them and has given a real boost to their studies."