Offences against Children

(asked on 6th January 2021) - View Source

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Sexual Offences Act 2003 to expand the definition of position of trust to include any adult regularly involved in caring for, training, supervising and being in sole charge of a child and not limited to professions outlined in Section 21 of the Act.


Answered by
Alex Chalk Portrait
Alex Chalk
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice
This question was answered on 14th January 2021

The Government recognises that there are concerns about those who might abuse their position of power over a 16 or 17-year-old to pressure them into engaging in a sexual relationship. Such behaviour is likely to be caught by the robust laws we already have in place.

We remain committed to protecting children and young people from sexual abuse and we want to ensure that existing offences are being used effectively to tackle this behaviour, and that those working with young people understand their responsibilities and act appropriately.

To that effect, my department, working closely with colleagues across government, has taken forward a review of the existing law, to check that that it is working effectively and to ensure young people are protected.

This is an incredibly complex area and we are now considering the findings of the review.

It is important that in any consideration for reform in this area we achieve the sensitive balance between the protection of young people and ensuring we do not infringe upon the sexual rights and freedoms of those over the age of 16 granted to them by Parliament.

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