Anne Longfield, Children’s Commissioner for England’s has responded to the Rotherham child abuse trial, saying:
“Those who gave evidence about the horrific sexual abuse they suffered in Rotherham between 1987 and 2003 which led to the conviction of four men and two women today should be applauded for the incredible courage they have shown in doing so. I hope that justice being served will go some way to helping them to overcome the damage caused by their abusers.
“I very much welcome the decision to prosecute this complex case. Although the abuse took place some years ago, the case should serve as a reminder to us all that child sexual abuse has not gone away and that every attempt to stop it must be pursued. Adults working with children must be trained in identifying the signs of abuse and children supported to report it if they are able to do so.”