Rotherham grooming victims call for Alexis Jay to head up government enquiry
Victims of sex abuse in Rotherham have told Hallam they want Alexis Jay to take over a government inquiry into historic abuse.
Victims of Rotherham's grooming scandal are urging the government to appoint Alexis Jay as the new chair of their inquiry into historic abuse.
She's thought to be the favourite to be appointed after previous chair Dame Lowell Goddard resigned from the role last week.
Jay uncovered the extent of child sexual exploitation in Rotherham in her report in 2014 which revealed at least 1400 children were abused between 1997 and 2013.
One of those victims was Emma Jackson - she told Hallam she wants Alexis Jay to be appointed:
"She's a very strong woman and she doesn't leave any stone unturned. If she finds something she'll publish it and print it and that's what's needed."
"The main priority of it is getting answers - that's the most important thing. People want to know why they were failed. If something isn't right when this report is being done and they find things that have been done wrong and do need dealing with, Alexis will publish that."
Emma says it's important the chair has a good understanding so she can connect with victims:
"She's got a brilliant understanding of abuse and sexual abuse which is important because it's important when survivors or victims are talking to someone about their experiences that the person they're talking to understands them and gets what they're saying which enables them to open up more which really is what's needed if answers are wanted."
"When I met her and I started speaking to her, I knew within 10 minutes that I could trust her and that what I was saying she understood. It's no good sitting and talking to somebody about the most personal horrific things that'll ever happen to you in life if they're sitting there and you don't feel like they understand it or they're judging."
Dame Lowell Goddard only headed up the inquiry in to historic sex abuse for 18 months - and was the latest in a number of resignations from the role.
Alexis Jay is already on the panel for the inquiry - and is thought to be the favourite to take over as chair.
Emma Jackson says some consistency's needed for victims - and Jay would provide it:
"What sort of signal is that sending out and message if people keep resigning? They the victims need consistency so they can build that trust. When I met her she striked me as a woman who sticks to her word and when she sets out to do something she doesn't stop until she's completed it."