MP calls for tough laws to protect children from sexual exploitation

ROTHERHAM MP Sarah Champion and charity Barnardo’s have called on the Government to toughen laws protecting children from sex offenders.

A report published this morning demands that police be allowed to act sooner if they suspect a young person is being groomed for sex.

It is one of a wide range of recommendations following an inquiry led by Ms Champion, in which a cross-party panel heard from victims, the police, legal professionals, local authorities and the voluntary sector.

Ms Champion said: “Through this inquiry we have shone a light on child sexual exploitation.

“We wanted to know what we as a society are doing right and where we are failing those who fall victim to this terrible crime.

“We have set out a number of legislative suggestions that we believe will improve the way child sexual exploitation is tackled in this country.

“I implore the Government and other relevant authorities to look closely at our recommendations.”

Barnardo’s UK director of strategy Puja Darbari said: “We must ensure that the police and other authorities have all the necessary tools at their disposal to keep vulnerable children safe.”

Other recommendations include more powers for Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards, specialist training for judges and lawyers involved in CSE cases and better education in schools.

The inquiry was launched in November to coincide with the tenth anniversary of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and consisted of four evidence sessions.

Read the full story in the Advertiser this Friday.

 

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