Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal

The Rotherham child sexual exploitation scandal involved the abuse and exploitation of hundreds of vulnerable children in Rotherham, England, between the 1990s and 2010s. Investigations revealed that local authorities, police, and social services failed to act despite multiple reports and warnings, largely due to systemic failures, negligence, and sometimes cultural sensitivities. Predominantly involving groups of offenders from specific communities, the scandal exposed serious weaknesses in safeguarding procedures and prompted widespread criticism of institutional neglect. It highlighted the urgent need for improved vigilance, accountability, and measures to protect vulnerable children from grooming and exploitation.