I have been contacted by a number of constituents as part of
the NSPCC’s ‘Close the Loophole’ campaign.
I share the concern about this hugely important issue and I
agree that the protection of children and young people must remain a priority.
I want to pay tribute to those who have spoken out about child sex abuse.
As I am sure you are aware, sexual activity with a child
under the age of 16 is a serious criminal offence, regardless of whether
consent is given. It is also the case that any non-consensual sexual activity
is a crime. It doesn’t matter the age of the victim or the relationship between
the victim and perpetrator. I understand it is also the case that where a
manipulative offender grooms a child under the age of consent and then engages
in a sexual relationship with them when they are over 16, offences are in place
to deal with this such as Section 15A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
I do welcome the fact that the Sexual Offences Act 2003 also
provides increased protection for younger people aged 16 and 17. Offences
criminalise those in a position of trust who sexual abuse young people in their
care. The offences target relationships where the young person has some
dependency on the adult involved and often combined with an element of
vulnerability of that young person.
I have been assured that Ministers across Government are
keeping this sensitive and important area of the law under review and working
together to ensure our young athletes feel safe in their training environment.
I hope this provides reassurances that the Government is
committed to doing all it can to protect children and young people.
