It is the summer of 1976. In the heart of London's bustling East End lies a tight-knight community of families. When a series of horrific assaults on young children sweeps through the neighbourhood, it is the women who take control in a battle to protect their families and win back the innocence of their children.

Donna Stewart's family is poor but respectable and hard working. Donna is beautiful and clever and about to go up to university. Celebrating her exam results with her friends at a club, she meets Danny Lester, ten years older, much richer, a businessman - he sweeps her off her feet.