Forum Brief: Sexual Offences Bill

Home secretary David Blunkett has published a radical shake-up of Britain's sex offence legislation.

Forum Response: The Children's Society

Penny Dean, the Children's Society's director for children and young people, said: "The Children's Society welcomes the government's plan to introduce clear sex offences which protect individuals, especially children, from abuse and exploitation.

"The consequences for those who coerce, force or deceive anyone into sexual activity, particularly the young and vulnerable, will be severe.

"For far too long, child abusers have been given soft sentences, despite committing serious crimes against our children, such as commercial sexual exploitation.

"Now they will be unable to escape the force of the law; the onus will fall on the pimps and the punters rather than the children who suffer at their hands.

"We have come a long way to ensure children who are sexually exploited through prostitution are treated as victims of abuse and not the perpetrators of crime.

"But we hope the government will reform existing legislation which allows children to be prosecuted for behaviour linked to their abuse through prostitution, such as soliciting.

"A new internet grooming offence is a clear indication that the law in this area is finally being brought into the 21st century. As recent cases have shown, the need for this has never been greater.

"The government must now maintain the momentum by ensuring that resources are available to identify and prosecute offenders."

Forum Response: Voice UK

Kathryn Stone, director for Voice UK told ePolitix.com: "The emphasis in the brief is on improved protection of children. It's important to note that this bill also makes sweeping changes to the ways in which people with learning disabilities are treated in law.

"A very basic and obvious point is that the language used is different. Sexual Offences Act 1956 refers to mental defectives - an offensive and outdated term.

"It is also very good to see a specific offence of breach of a relationship of care - this means that current guidance and codes of conduct will be on a legal footing with no misunderstanding about what it means.

"Voice UK is mindful that the test for capacity to consent to a sexual relationship need to strike a balance between creating appropriate safeguards while maximising the right of a person with a learning disability to sexual relationships.

"Similarly, great care will need to be taken when considering "grooming" of people with learning disabilities for later sexual exploitation."

Forum Response: Home Farm Trust

A spokesman for the Home Farm Trust said: "HFT, a national charity providing a range of support services with and for people with learning disabilities, is working closely with Voice UK, Turning Point, BILD (British Institute for Learning Disabilities) and other responsible organisations, to raise awareness of, and help prevent, the sexual abuse of vulnerable people.

"We endorse this positive action by the government. It is vital that the prevention of abuse of vulnerable adults should be taken seriously and we welcome legislation which increases the protection of vulnerable people."