Switalskis Solicitors continues its unwavering support for survivors of child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Rotherham, as the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) confirms it has launched ten new investigations into historical complaints against South Yorkshire Police (SYP).

Over recent months, Switalskis has assisted numerous clients in submitting formal complaints to SYP regarding the force’s handling of CSE cases. The IOPC has now taken over these complaints, initiating investigations following referrals made between July and September 2025.

The complaints include serious allegations that:

• Known abusers were not adequately investigated by police.
• SYP failed to safeguard victims.
• Crucial information provided to the police was not acted upon.

Operations Linden and Amazon—previously conducted by the IOPC—have already confirmed what survivors and campaigners have long asserted: that systemic failings within SYP left children vulnerable to widespread abuse between 1999 and 2011.

Switalskis Solicitors represents a significant number of survivors and remains committed to supporting them beyond the legal process. Our approach includes:

• Assisting clients with police complaints, criminal investigations, and civil claims.
• Providing wraparound support, including access to emotional, therapeutic, and practical resources.
• Holding authorities accountable for their failure to protect children from harm.

While we welcome the IOPC’s decision to take these complaints seriously, we note with concern that no police officers were held to account following Operations Linden and Amazon. We therefore urge that these new investigations be conducted with the utmost rigour.

We also call for therapeutic support to be made available to survivors who are participating in the complaint process or assisting with ongoing investigations led by the police or the National Crime Agency (NCA).

These developments serve as a stark reminder of the scale of institutional failure and the enduring impact on survivors. Reports and inquiries are vital steps toward accountability, but survivors deserve more than recognition—they need justice, sustained care, and meaningful reform within the systems that failed them.

It is important to note that this IOPC investigation is separate from the ongoing NCA investigation into allegations of historical child sexual abuse, corruption, and facilitation by former SYP officers, which is also being directed by the IOPC.

Switalskis Solicitors will continue to stand up for survivors and ensure their voices are heard.

If you are a survivor of child sexual exploitation and would like to talk confidentially about your experiences or explore your legal options, our dedicated abuse team is here to listen and support you.