July 02, 2026
For survivors of sexual abuse, the criminal justice process is often long, painful and deeply challenging.
The Statutory Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs
The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is one of the most significant investigations ever undertaken into child sexual exploitation in England and Wales. Established under the Inquiries Act 2005, it will examine how organised grooming gangs were able to target and sexually exploit children over many years, why institutions failed to protect them, and what must change to prevent these failings from happening again.
The Inquiry is now underway, with national accountability hearings and local investigations beginning in areas including Oldham, Bradford and Keighley, and London. While the Inquiry cannot award compensation or determine criminal liability, it represents an important opportunity to expose systemic failings, hold organisations to account and ensure the voices of victims and survivors are heard. It works alongside Operation Beaconport, the National Crime Agency's national criminal investigation into grooming gangs, meaning evidence of potential criminal offending can be shared with law enforcement where appropriate.
At Switalskis, we have represented survivors of child sexual exploitation for decades and continue to support many people affected by the issues being examined by the Inquiry. Our nationally recognised abuse team has been at the forefront of holding local authorities, police forces and other organisations accountable where they failed to protect children from sexual exploitation.
Led by Amy Clowrey , our specialist Grooming gangs and abuse claims team has represented hundreds of survivors across England, including those affected in Rotherham, Bradford and Keighley, Hull, Oxford, Manchester, Huddersfield, London, Dewsbury and many other communities. We understand that every survivor's experience is different, and whether you are considering taking part in the Inquiry, exploring a compensation claim, or simply looking for confidential advice, our team is here to support you with compassion, sensitivity and expertise.
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.
The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is a statutory public inquiry established under the Inquiries Act 2005. It is independent of the Government and the organisations it is investigating, and has been tasked with examining how children across England and Wales were sexually exploited by organised grooming gangs, why so many opportunities to protect them were missed, and what must change to better safeguard children in the future.
The Inquiry was established following Baroness Louise Casey's National Audit into Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, which identified widespread institutional failings and recommended a national statutory inquiry. It will investigate how police forces, local authorities, schools, healthcare providers, the Crown Prosecution Service and other public bodies responded to reports of child sexual exploitation, and why previous recommendations for change were not consistently implemented.
As a statutory inquiry, it has legal powers to require organisations to provide documents and can compel witnesses to give evidence under oath. Through national accountability hearings and local investigations, the Inquiry will examine what happened, why systems failed, and how organisations can be held accountable for those failures. It will publish findings and recommendations throughout its work rather than waiting until the Inquiry concludes.
It is important to understand that the Inquiry is separate from the criminal justice system and cannot determine criminal or civil liability or award compensation. However, it may uncover evidence that supports criminal investigations or helps survivors better understand the failings that affected them.
The Inquiry wants to hear from victims and survivors across England and Wales, regardless of where they live. While the first local investigations are taking place in Oldham, Bradford and Keighley, and London, survivors from every part of the country are encouraged to come forward and share their experiences if they wish to do so.
We will continue to update this page as the Inquiry progresses, including announcements about new local investigations, national accountability hearings, and opportunities for victims and survivors to engage with the Inquiry.
If you have experienced child sexual exploitation or abuse and would like confidential legal advice about the Inquiry or your right to pursue compensation, our specialist abuse solicitors are here to help.
You can speak directly and in confidence with Amy Clowrey , solicitor and director in our Abuse Claims team.
For survivors of sexual abuse, the criminal justice process is often long, painful and deeply challenging.
Three men have been sentenced at Hull Crown Court after being found guilty of grooming and sexually exploiting a vulnerable teenage girl.
Survivors of the Rochdale grooming gangs have once again been left feeling unheard and unprotected, after learning through social media that ringleader Shabir Ahmed is due to be released from prison within days.
Three brothers have been sentenced for a series of serious sexual offences committed against young girls in Sheffield between 2004 and 2007, following a complex investigation under the National Crime Agency’s Operation Stovewood.
Taking part in the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs can feel overwhelming. Whether you are considering sharing your experiences with the Inquiry, seeking recognition for what happened, or exploring your legal options, our specialist abuse solicitors are here to support you every step of the way.
We understand that every survivor's journey is different. Some people may choose to provide information to the Inquiry, while others may be invited to give evidence or apply to become a Core Participant. Whatever your circumstances, our role is to provide clear legal advice, protect your interests and ensure your voice is heard.
Switalskis has represented survivors in many of the country's most significant child sexual exploitation and grooming gang cases. Our experience spans many of the communities now under national scrutiny, including areas selected for the Inquiry's first local investigations. We are proud to have supported survivors in holding organisations to account and securing justice through both public inquiries and compensation claims.
Our work has included representing survivors in:
We support survivors, families and victims' representatives across England and Wales who have been affected by child sexual exploitation and organised grooming. Whether you are considering taking part in the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs, pursuing a compensation claim or simply looking for confidential legal advice, our specialist abuse solicitors are here to help.
Our work includes:
Everything we do is shaped by the needs of the people we represent. We know that taking the first step can feel overwhelming, and there is no right or wrong way to seek support. Our approach is compassionate, trauma-informed and survivor-led, providing clear legal advice and sensitive guidance so you feel supported, informed and in control throughout your journey.
We have represented survivors in complex group actions across the country, including Rotherham, West Yorkshire, and Lambeth. A significant proportion of claims have been resolved sensitively through negotiation, ensuring survivors can pursue justice without the need to attend court.
Every client is offered access to specialist support as part of their claim process and is assigned a dedicated solicitor who specialises in abuse law. Our team brings over 100 years of combined experience, ensuring survivors receive expert guidance and compassionate support throughout their journey.
We represent survivors and families in major national inquiries into child sexual abuse and exploitation and are regularly invited to provide evidence and consultation on safeguarding and survivor justice issues, demonstrating our authority and leadership in complex cases.
Our work has helped influence changes in the law, improving access to justice for survivors, including reforms following the IICSA findings on time limits and vicarious liability. To date, we have supported over 100 survivors in pursuing justice and compensation, contributing to systemic change and improved protections for future generations.
Amy Clowrey and David Greenwood are standout lawyers. Just very client focused, efficient and work very well with experts. They are both respectful and appropriately challenging of cases. Ultimately, I know they have their clients’ interests firmly at the forefront of their work and this makes it very easy to work with them.
The Legal 500
Throughout the whole process Amy has been compassionate, understanding and communicative. I believe mum would have found this whole process too stressful and may not have had the courage and strength to see it through if it wasn’t for Amy.
Amy has been a great support, while maintaining her professionalism with her caring nature. Mum and I can’t thank Amy enough.
Child Abuse Compensation Client's Family
From beginning to end, I was treated with dignity and respect. Any fears I had about discussing what had happened to me, or the fear of being judged, were firmly laid to rest by the solicitor in charge of my case, Amy Clowrey, who I felt went above and beyond in her approach and work. She was sensitive and thorough, and put me at ease from the outset.
Child Abuse Compensation Client
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.
The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is a statutory public inquiry established under the Inquiries Act 2005. It is investigating how organised grooming gangs sexually exploited children across England and Wales, why institutions failed to protect them, and what changes are needed to better safeguard children in the future.
The Inquiry was established following Baroness Louise Casey's National Audit into Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, which found widespread institutional failings in the way children were protected. It will examine what happened, why previous recommendations were not consistently implemented, and how organisations can be held accountable.
The first local investigations are taking place in Oldham, Bradford and Keighley, and London. Further areas are expected to be announced as the Inquiry progresses.
Yes. The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is a national inquiry covering England and Wales. You do not need to live in one of the current investigation areas for your experiences to be relevant. The Inquiry wants to hear from victims and survivors across the country, and evidence from all regions will help inform its findings and recommendations.
The Inquiry has confirmed that there will be different ways for victims and survivors to contribute. You may be able to provide information, share your experiences or, in some cases, give evidence. Support will be available throughout the process, and you will not be required to give formal evidence unless you choose to do so.
A public inquiry itself does not award compensation. However, its findings can help support a separate civil compensation claim.
If you are a survivor of abuse, we can advise you on whether you may have grounds to bring a claim for the harm you suffered and how best to do so.
We represent survivors and families taking part in public inquiries, including the Group-Based CSE Inquiry and the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).
Our team provides:
We’ll ensure you are treated with dignity and respect at every stage.
Operation Beaconport is a national policing operation reviewing hundreds of previously closed investigations into group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation.
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.
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.