The Case of the 5 Virgin

The narrative centers on a shocking 1885 revelation by W T Stead, who exposed the sale of a thirteen-year-old girl by her mother to a brothel, highlighting the disturbing commodification of innocence. This account, known as the story of the £5 virgin, ignited outrage and became a worldwide sensation, marking it as one of the most significant scandals of the Victorian era. Stead's bold journalism not only captured public attention but also sparked discussions on morality and child exploitation during a time of strict societal norms.