The Vanessa George Case (UK - 2009)

Vanessa George, one of the main members of a paedophile ring involving at least five adults from different parts of England. Four of the five members were women. The case showed that the perpetrators were acting of their own free will and for their own sexual gratification. The case prompted an increased recognition of the problem of female paedophiles, sex offenders, and the scale of their offending, with one estimate suggesting that at least 10% of sex offenders are female. The case also challenged the false stereotype that only men sexually abuse children. Previously some had attempted to blame the behaviour of female child sexual abusers on men, suggesting that the female child sex abusers were usually acting under duress or coercion.