Survivors of the Rotherham child abuse scandal have expressed relief after South Yorkshire Police abandoned plans for an internal inquiry into their handling of the case. The decision follows intense criticism from victims and campaigners who argued that an internal review would lack transparency and independence.
A Long-Awaited Victory
For years, survivors have fought for accountability over the systemic failures that allowed widespread abuse to go unchecked in Rotherham. The police's decision to step back from an internal probe is seen as a hard-won concession to their demands for justice.
Outcry Over Lack of Independence
Campaigners had warned that an internal inquiry would be insufficient, given the gravity of the scandal. Many survivors felt it would merely serve to protect the force's reputation rather than uncover the truth.
"This is a step in the right direction," said one survivor. "But we need a fully independent investigation to ensure no more cover-ups."
What Comes Next?
With the internal inquiry now off the table, pressure is mounting for an external review. Advocates insist that only a transparent, independent process can restore trust in the authorities.
The Rotherham scandal, which involved the exploitation of at least 1,400 children between 1997 and 2013, remains one of the UK's most harrowing cases of institutional failure.
