Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal

Rotherham town centre, May 2010

Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal

The Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal refers to the widespread sexual abuse of children in the town of Rotherham, England, between the late 1980s and the early 2010s. The scandal came to light in 2010 when a report by Professor Alexis Jay revealed that at least 1,400 children had been subjected to sexual exploitation in Rotherham over a 16-year period.

The victims, mostly young girls, were targeted by predominantly British Pakistani men who groomed and sexually abused them. The authorities in Rotherham were heavily criticized for their failure to protect the victims and for ignoring reports of abuse for many years.

The scandal led to multiple investigations and inquiries into the handling of child sexual exploitation cases in Rotherham. It also sparked a national debate on issues such as ethnicity and cultural sensitivity in relation to child abuse cases.

In the aftermath of the scandal, several individuals, including senior officials and politicians, resigned or were removed from their positions. The Rotherham case highlighted the need for better training and awareness among professionals working with vulnerable children.

The impact of the Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal continues to be felt in the town and across the UK, with ongoing efforts to improve safeguarding measures and support for victims of abuse.