The grooming gang scandal in Bradford is likely to be one of the most significant crises of its kind in the UK, potentially eclipsing the horrors uncovered in Rotherham. As someone who has worked with hundreds of survivors across South and West Yorkshire, it is clear to me that Bradford faces a reckoning.

Bradford Council must act with urgency to commission a thorough, independent review into the widespread child sexual exploitation (CSE) that has devastated lives and communities. Without a comprehensive investigation, justice will remain out of reach for survivors, and those responsible will evade accountability.

West Yorkshire Police have made strides through Operation Dalesway , prosecuting dozens of offenders and uncovering countless heinous crimes committed against young girls. However, these convictions barely scratch the surface of the abuse that occurred. Victims continue to come forward with stories that echo those we heard in Rotherham, Huddersfield, and other areas. Many of these cases are linked to Bradford, where grooming gangs exploited vulnerable girls in children’s homes, hotels, and private houses.

One survivor, Fiona Goddard, has bravely documented her experience, detailing how grooming gangs targeted her children’s home in Bradford. Fiona’s account identifies dozens of girls who were exploited during her time there. Despite Fiona sharing her evidence with the council and police, Bradford’s leadership has refused to commit to a meaningful inquiry, opting instead for a limited review of just five cases.

This refusal to confront the full scale of the problem is reminiscent of the initial denials seen in Rotherham. It took the courage of survivors, whistleblowers, and campaigners to force change there, and the same resolve will be needed in Bradford.

Why a review is essential

Bradford Council and its safeguarding partners must acknowledge their past failures and confront them head-on. An independent review, modelled on Professor Alexis Jay’s investigation in Rotherham, is vital to uncover the truth, hold those responsible to account, and ensure robust systems are in place to prevent further exploitation.

While I welcome Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s recent announcement of funding for local inquiries, I share the frustration of survivors like Fiona, who rightly ask why Bradford is not proactively addressing its own scandal. A national inquiry, while appealing to some, risks delaying the urgent local action needed to protect vulnerable children and rebuild trust in Bradford’s institutions.

Lessons from Rotherham

The Rotherham inquiry demonstrated the dangers of systemic failings being swept under the carpet. It revealed how council officials and police officers ignored or mishandled reports of abuse, allowing perpetrators to continue their crimes unchecked. HMIC reports reached the same conclusions on police failures. Importantly, reports also held these institutions accountable for their role in enabling the abuse.

Bradford must learn from this example. There is evidence to suggest that officials who may have contributed to the failures in Bradford remain in post. Without an inquiry, these individuals will avoid scrutiny, and the survivors they failed will be denied justice. Importantly, Bradford will live under a dark shadow until the extent of abuse and failures of the Social work and police systems are investigated and published.

What needs to happen

An independent review must:

• Examine historical and current responses to CSE allegations.
• Identify individuals and institutions responsible for failures.
• Ensure survivors’ voices are heard and respected.
• Provide recommendations for safeguarding vulnerable children in the future.

This is not about assigning blame for its own sake. It is about accountability, learning from past mistakes, and creating a safer future for Bradford’s children.

If you or someone you know has been affected by grooming or exploitation, confidential help is available. At Switalskis, we specialise in supporting survivors of abuse and seeking justice on their behalf. Contact me directly at 0800 138 4700 or via email at david.greenwood@switalskis.com .