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Getting lots of messages about someone on Facebook making further allegations about alleged child sex exploitation among Roma families in Govanhill. These allegations come up time after time and have been repeated in the media often. I have some comments.
Firstly, child sexual exploitation can happen everywhere &, if anything, is under-reported. If anyone has concerns about a child's safety they should contact the police or Social Work services who will investigate them as a priority, please be assured of that.
There have been multiple investigations into allegations Roma families sell children for sex, including a lengthy one by National Child Abuse Investigation Unit, following a story in the Times. No evidence that parents prostitute their children was found. https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/17212312.child-sex-investigation-govanhill-concludes-without-proof-allegations/
This is a really difficult situation because the very last thing I would want to do is to play down the seriousness of child abuse. But one thing I have learned is that these stories are told of Roma families all across Europe.
There will be people thinking well there's no smoke without fire. That's what you're meant to think. A Jewish friend of mine described it as being similar to the blood libel against the Jews, and having the same purpose.
So in conclusion please do always report any concerns you have to the proper authorities. They will take them seriously. Facebook is not in that category. And please be aware that there can be particular dynamics at play when stories centre on Roma families.
