At Switalskis we represented the estate of our client, referred to as AB, who was involved in child sexual exploitation and grooming in Rotherham from approximately 11 years of age.  

AB sadly died of an overdose, just prior to Switalskis being instructed and following involvement with the National Crime Agency. She left behind a young child who was to be the beneficiary of her estate – meaning that any damages recovered would go to the child.  

This case involved an exceptionally high level of client care as the family were understandably devastated and angry. The team at Switalskis also supported the family in their involvement with the national media.

AB suffered significant abuse at the hands of multiple men in Rotherham, right up until the date of her death, as the abuse continued into her adult life.

AB was groomed and sexually and physically abused to the extent that she also received life-threatening injuries from one of her abusers that required hospital admission.

The estate for AB brought an action against both South Yorkshire Police and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

The case was progressed with the careful support of highly skilled solicitors in the child abuse team, who have worked for the last decade on the Rotherham abuse scandal, along with counsel. Settlement was finally reached in 2023.

Sadly, this case is not the first case that we have dealt with where a survivor of abuse loses their life due to addiction, either by overdose or due to life-long addiction causing a deterioration in physical health. Whilst the circumstances of this case were particularly harrowing, we were pleased that the damages received went directly to AB’s child, which we are certain is what they would have wanted to happen. Of course, no amount of money can compensate an individual for such horrific abuse or a child for the loss of a parent in such circumstances.  

Supporting survivors of child sexual exploitation

Switalskis has spent over a decade fighting for survivors of child sexual exploitation and institutional abuse, including work on the Rotherham compensation cases. Our team remains dedicated to ensuring survivors receive justice and holding institutions accountable for their failings.

If you or someone you know has been affected by child sexual exploitation and is seeking legal advice, please contact our team for confidential support . Call us on 0800 1380 458 or email help@switalskis.com