At Switalskis, we represent survivors of child sexual exploitation in Halifax, supporting victims and their families in seeking justice and compensation for historic abuse.

In one of the largest child sexual exploitation investigations in the UK, at least 25 men were convicted of grooming and sexually abusing girls in Halifax and nearby Bradford. Vulnerable young girls were manipulated with alcohol and drugs before being coerced into sexual activity.

What Happened in Halifax

The Halifax child sex abuse ring involved a large group of men who targeted and abused underage girls over many years.

In 2016, following several trials at Leeds Crown Court, 18 men were found guilty of offences including rape and sexual exploitation, receiving sentences totalling over 175 years in prison. In 2019, a further nine men were convicted for grooming and abusing two underage girls in Bradford, with combined sentences of more than 130 years.

It is estimated that as many as 100 men may have been involved in child sexual exploitation in the Halifax and Bradford area, making it one of the most significant cases of its kind in the UK.

Ongoing Concerns

The Halifax case showed both the scale of organised child sexual exploitation and the devastating harm caused to survivors. While many perpetrators have been convicted, survivors continue to live with the long-term effects of abuse. Cases like this highlight the need for stronger safeguarding, better support for survivors, and more decisive action from authorities to prevent future exploitation.

How Switalskis Can Help

We know how difficult it is to speak about experiences of grooming and exploitation. Our specialist child abuse lawyers provide a safe, confidential environment where you can share your story and explore your legal options without pressure.

We offer a confidential, no-obligation consultation to help you understand whether you may be able to bring a claim. Whether your experience was historic or you have ongoing safeguarding concerns, our team is here to provide compassionate, expert legal support.

Contact our specialist child abuse solicitors

If you were affected by grooming gangs in Halifax, Calderdale or West Yorkshire, please call us on 01924 881 000 for a confidential discussion with one of our child abuse lawyers.

Amy Clowrey , director and solicitor in our abuse claims team, specialises in child sexual abuse compensation with a particular interest in claims involving child sexual exploitation and grooming. She has been heavily involved in supporting victims of grooming scandals across the country.

Navigating the legal maze of a child abuse claim can be tough, especially when you’re already dealing with emotional pain. That’s where we come in. At Switalskis, we’re not just experts in law – we’re people who genuinely care about your wellbeing.

From the moment you reach out to us, you’ll find a caring and confidential environment. We know how hard it is to talk about abuse, and we’re here to listen without judgement. Our team is led by David Greenwood and they are highly skilled in handling both recent and historical abuse claims. We’ll explain all your options in simple terms, so you know exactly what steps are available.

We’ll help you gather all the necessary evidence to make your case as strong as possible. This could include medical records, witness statements or any other documents that could help. We’ll make sure you’re well-prepared and understand what’s happening at every stage.

Legal fees can be a worry, but we’re upfront about costs from the start. We’ll discuss our fee structure clearly, so there are no surprises later on.

 We’re not just here for the legal process. We understand the emotional toll a child abuse claim can take, and we’re here to offer emotional support as well. Once your case is resolved, our support doesn’t just stop. Whether you secure child abuse compensation or achieve another form of justice, we’ll guide you through the next steps and any further actions you may want to take. 

At Switalskis, we’re more than just child abuse solicitors – we’re a team committed to helping you through one of the most challenging times of your life. We’re here to offer expert, compassionate support every step of the way.