Rotherham Abuse Scandal

The Rotherham Abuse Scandal involved widespread sexual exploitation of, mostly, teenage girls by groups of men over many years, from the late 1980s to 2010s, in Rotherham, England. Authorities failed to act effectively despite numerous reports, partly due to a combination of negligence, fear of political or social repercussions, and cultural sensitivities. The scandal highlighted serious issues of institutional failure, racism, and insufficient safeguarding, leading to public outrage, multiple inquiries, and reforms aimed at improving child protection and accountability within local agencies.