September 09, 2025
A survivor of historical child abuse has been awarded £750,000 in compensation after seeking the advice of Switalskis' nationally recognised child abuse compensation team.
Grooming gangs and abuse compensation
The role of grooming gangs in child abuse is an incredibly sensitive and emotionally charged subject. We recognise the courage it takes to even think about stepping forward to discuss your experiences. Whether you're a survivor, a concerned family member, or someone who only witnessed these harrowing acts, the emotional weight can be overwhelming. That's why, at Switalskis, we're committed to providing a safe, confidential and deeply compassionate space where you can explore your legal options without fear of judgement or exposure.
Taking legal action in cases like these is about more than just personal justice. It's also about shining a light on the dark corners of society where these grooming gangs operate, thereby protecting future potential victims. We understand that the legal landscape surrounding grooming gangs can be complex and intimidating. That's why we aim to simplify this process for you, breaking down each step and making sure you're fully informed and supported throughout.
Our goal is to help you navigate this difficult journey with the utmost care and expertise, so you can focus on your own healing and wellbeing. Whether you're seeking justice, compensation, or both, we’ll guide you through every legal avenue available to you.
At Switalskis, we represent survivors of grooming gangs nationwide. We provide not only expert legal advice but also compassionate, confidential support. Whether you are seeking justice, compensation, or simply want to understand your rights, we are here to stand with you.
This page is your hub for information about grooming gangs, the national inquiry, and the support available to you.
To speak to one of our specialist abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.
At Switalskis, we provide compassionate, confidential support and expert legal guidance to survivors of grooming gang abuse nationwide. We understand how difficult it is to speak out, and we are here to help you navigate the legal process safely and confidently.
How we support you:
At Switalskis, we are more than a legal team—we are your partners on the journey toward justice and healing, providing expert, compassionate support every step of the way.
A new national public inquiry is underway to examine how grooming gangs were able to operate for so long, and why authorities failed to protect children.
Survivors may be able to take part in the inquiry as core participants. This means your voice can help shape the truth that emerges and the recommendations for change.
For decades, grooming gangs have operated across the UK, targeting vulnerable children and exploiting them in the most horrific ways. Survivors have often been ignored, disbelieved or failed by the very authorities who were meant to protect them.
At Switalskis, we support survivors of grooming and child sexual exploitation across the country. We are experienced in representing survivors in public inquiries, including the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) . We are here to help survivors who want to take part in this important national inquiry.
Switalskis has acted in some of the country’s most significant grooming gang cases. Each of these areas has its own story, and we are proud to have supported survivors in speaking out and achieving justice. While we represent survivors nationwide, our work has been especially focused in:
At Switalskis, we are privileged to represent survivors of grooming gang abuse from across the UK. Our clients’ experiences, like those of Erin, Scarlett, Jade, Chantelle, and Steph featured on Channel 4's 'Groomed: A national scandal', highlight the devastating, lifelong impact of organised sexual exploitation. Many were ignored by authorities despite clear evidence, criminalised as children, and forced into compliance by seasoned offenders.
The accounts also show that grooming is not limited to so-called ‘problem children’ - it affects children from all backgrounds, including loving homes. Listening to and supporting survivors is vital, and the law must protect vulnerable children effectively.
Our blog explores these stories, the failures of authorities, and the ongoing work of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), which continues to shape the national response.
Our child abuse compensation team have recently represented Fiona, a survivor of child sexual exploitation and grooming in West Yorkshire. Her case forms part of a broader pattern of abuse that targeted vulnerable children in Keighley during the 1990s. Read more from our child abuse compensation litigation team .
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. Read more from our child abuse compensation litigation team .
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. Read more from our child abuse compensation litigation team .
To speak to one of our specialist child sexual exploitation solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.
Taking legal action against grooming gangs can be a complex and emotionally taxing journey. At Switalskis, we aim to simplify this process for you, by providing expert guidance at every turn and answering questions in clear terms. Here's a more detailed look at how we can assist you through the claims process, step by step:
The first step of your claim is a confidential, no-obligation consultation with Switalskis’ expert grooming gang solicitors. During this meeting, we'll listen to your story, answer any questions you may have, and outline your legal options. This initial conversation is about making sure you feel comfortable and informed, and there’s no pressure to proceed further unless you choose to.
We'll assess the strength and specifics of your case. This involves reviewing any evidence you may already have, such as digital records or correspondence, and advising on what additional information might be beneficial to support your claim. We'll also discuss the likelihood of achieving your desired outcomes, be it justice, compensation, or both.
In grooming gang cases, evidence is often the linchpin for success. We'll guide you through the process of gathering the necessary documents, digital records and witness statements. This may also involve working with technology experts to retrieve online data or consulting with psychologists for expert testimony.
Fewer than 1% of our cases need clients to go to court but, if needed, we'll prepare you and let you know what to expect. We'll present your case and aim for the best possible outcome. We'll also prepare you for the emotional and aspects of facing your abusers in court, offering support and guidance throughout.
A successful claim could result in various forms of justice, including financial compensation and the dismantling of the grooming gang involved. We'll guide you through what the outcome means and discuss any further steps you may wish to take, such as appeals or additional legal actions.
Our relationship doesn't end when the legal process does. We'll continue to offer support and guidance if you decide to take further action, and we can connect you with additional resources for ongoing emotional support if you need it.
Grooming gangs are organised groups that engage in the exploitation of children and young people, often for sexual purposes. The term 'grooming' often fails to cover the full extent of the crimes these gangs commit, all of which can result in serious harm to children. Grooming gangs use calculated, manipulative tactics to lure vulnerable people into a web of abuse and exploitation. Understanding the dynamics of grooming gangs is vital, not just for legal proceedings, but also for public awareness and prevention.
Grooming gangs often use sophisticated methods to identify and target their victims. This could involve online platforms, social media, or even direct contact in public spaces like schools, parks or shopping centres. Once a target is identified, the grooming process begins. This usually involves befriending the victim and gaining their trust, sometimes offering gifts or attention to make the child feel special.
The abuse carried out by grooming gangs can take multiple forms:
Your safety is our utmost priority. From the moment you engage with us, we implement stringent measures to guard your identity and protect your wellbeing. This includes secure storage of your personal information and any evidence you supply, as well as keeping all consultations entirely confidential. If your case goes to court, we can also request special measures, such as the opportunity for you to give evidence behind a screen or via video link, to protect your identity.
In grooming gang cases, the evidence that is needed for a successful outcome can vary greatly, depending on the circumstances of the grooming gang’s activities and your involvement. Digital records like text messages, emails or social media conversations can be invaluable. Witness statements, either from people who can corroborate your story or experts who can provide assessments, are also important. In some cases, CCTV footage or photographic evidence may be used. We'll guide you through what's needed for your specific case and how to safely obtain it.
Confidentiality is one of our top concerns, and that extends to media interactions. While we can't control all aspects of media coverage, we take all possible steps to protect your identity and personal information to help you avoid public scrutiny. This could include requesting reporting restrictions from the court or advising you on how to manage any unsolicited media attention.
Cases where a person was both a victim and a perpetrator present unique challenges. However, the law recognises that victimisation can happen in complex scenarios, including those where the victim may have also been involved in illegal activities. During our confidential consultation, we'll discuss the specifics of your situation and outline the best course of action, always keeping your wellbeing and desired outcomes as our primary focus.
People experience abuse in lots of different ways, and everyone heals differently. If you’re concerned about a friend or loved one, or want support in your own healing journey, it can help to understand how childhood abuse might affect you in the present.
If you’ve been harmed by child sexual abuse it can take a long time to terms with what happened and feel ready to talk to someone about it. It’s hard, but there are support services available and we recommend you contact them as one of your first steps.
The Data Protection Act 2018 has given all UK care leavers the right to request a copy of any personal data that an organisation holds about them, including councils/local authorities.
At Switalskis, our team regularly provides support to people making subject access requests for social services records.
At Switalskis, we want to break down those barriers and tackle misconceptions about PTSD symptoms and causes, to make sure everyone can get the help they need. This is important for us because of our work supporting survivors of child abuse. Many people develop PTSD in response to physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse.
A survivor of historical child abuse has been awarded £750,000 in compensation after seeking the advice of Switalskis' nationally recognised child abuse compensation team.
Abuse against children remains a national problem in England and Wales, with more historical cases coming to light and staggering data about the prominence of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and abuse across the country. Estimates from the 2020 Crime Survey for England and Wales indicate that as many as 3.1 million adults may have experienced sexual abuse by the time they turn 16, while a total of 8.5 million adults may have experienced some type of child abuse (including domestic violence, emotional and physical abuse alongside sexual abuse) before they reach adulthood. A further 2021 report by the Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse suggests that this could mean as many as one in six girls and one in 20 boys have been sexually exploited or abused before the age of 16.
Switalskis Solicitors has welcomed the decision by South Yorkshire Police (SYP) to transfer its investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse, corruption, and the facilitation of abuse by former officers to the National Crime Agency (NCA).
Switalskis child abuse compensation team has been working with survivors of the Rotherham grooming scandal for over a decade. During that time, our solicitors have repeatedly heard allegations not only of abuse by local gangs but also by South Yorkshire Police officers.
To speak to one of our specialist abuse solicitors about your situation in confidence, call us on 0800 1380 458, or contact us through the website.
When you're facing the complexities of a legal case, especially one touching on such sensitive subjects as grooming gangs and abuse, you need more than just a solicitor. You need a team that embodies values you can trust. Here's why Switalskis should be your first choice:
Legal matters are often complicated, filled with jargon and paperwork that can feel overwhelming. At Switalskis, we pride ourselves on making the complex clear. We break down each step of the legal process and the relevant terms into straightforward language, making sure you're fully informed and never left in the dark. Our aim is to simplify what can be a daunting experience, making your journey towards justice as smooth and stress-free as possible.
From your first consultation to the final resolution of your case, you'll find that the team at Switalskis is deeply committed to your emotional wellbeing. We understand the courage it takes to come forward, and we're here to offer a listening ear, a shoulder to lean on, and a hand to hold. Our approach is rooted in empathy, making sure you feel supported at every step.
Our team is highly skilled in this specific area of law, bringing years of experience and a track record of successful outcomes to underpin your claim. But our expertise goes beyond just legal knowledge; we're also experts in handling sensitive issues with the care and confidentiality they demand. When you choose Switalskis, you're choosing a team that combines legal expertise with a deep understanding of the emotional nuances involved.
At the heart of our practice is a commitment to championing your rights. Whether you're seeking justice, compensation, or both, we’ll work to advocate for you tirelessly. We're your supporters in this journey, and we’re committed to fighting for the best possible outcome for you. Our focus is always on what's in your best interest, making sure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.
We're committed to providing expert, compassionate legal support for survivors of grooming gangs. If you're ready to take the first step, we're here for a confidential, no-obligation chat.
Reach out to us by calling 0800 138 0458 or by contacting us through the website.