Commenting on a joint statement by the National Crime Agency and North Wales Police, which has announced an end to new witness accounts being taken by Operation Pallial – the independent investigation into recent allegations of past abuse in the care system in North Wales – an NSPCC Cymru / Wales spokesman said:
“As Operational Pallial draws to a close we hope that it will continue to shed light on the full extent of the harrowing abuse perpetrated against vulnerable children and young people in the North Wales care system.
“Hundreds of people have so far come forward with information and it is important that victims realise they can still do so.
“Many victims have been waiting far too long to get justice and the outstanding criminal investigations must be concluded quickly so any perpetrators can be brought before the courts.
“Police should always pursue historic sex abuse allegations. As responsibility for investigating new allegations of past abuse returns to North Wales Police, victims must be confident that they will always be listened to and will receive the justice they deserve.
“Many people who have suffered sexual abuse as a child never reveal their ordeal and the NSPCC is committed to giving them the opportunity to speak out. If we are to increase public confidence in reporting abuse and show victims that they can achieve justice, then those responsible for committing past offences must feel the full force of the law.”
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