Compensation secured for survivor of Rotherham grooming scandal

By Amy Clowrey

Published April 23, 2025In: Child Abuse, Child Abuse - Grooming Gangs

We represented a client, referred to as YZ, who was involved in child sexual exploitation and grooming in Rotherham. Her sister was murdered in an honour killing, making this particular case incredibly sensitive and harrowing, and our client very vulnerable.

young women stood in the countryside alone

YZ suffered her first rape at 11 years old. This rape was the beginning of her systematic grooming and abuse, which included being trafficked across the country to be raped by multiple men.

She is now pursing action against both South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council for negligence.

Switalskis expert legal representation

The claimant brought an action against the defendants for negligence, misfeasance in public office, and breaches of her human rights.

She sought accountability for the failure of both the police and the local authority to protect her from harm.

However, her case was significantly impacted by the Supreme Court ruling in CN and GN v Poole Borough Council , which changed the legal landscape for claims involving public authorities and their duty of care towards vulnerable children. This precedent added complexity to an already challenging claim, yet we remained persistent in our pursuit.

Despite overwhelming evidence of systemic failings in Rotherham’s handling of CSE cases, the defendants continued to deny liability, defending the claim for nearly nine years. The prolonged legal battle placed immense emotional strain on YZ, yet she remained resolute, supported by her legal team.

This case was pursued with the careful support of highly skilled solicitors from Switalskis’ nationally recognised child abuse team, who have dedicated over a decade to securing compensation for survivors of the Rotherham grooming scandal.

In 2023, after years of legal battles, a settlement was finally reached, bringing long-overdue recognition of the failings that had contributed to the claimant’s suffering.

While no amount of compensation can undo the trauma endured, this outcome represents an important step in holding public bodies accountable for their role in failing vulnerable children.