Calls to close loophole allowing adults to have sex with teenagers they supervise
The Government is being urged to close a legal loophole that allows adults in a position of trust to have sex with teenagers once they turn 16.
Currently, it is a crime for teachers, social workers and other professionals legally in a position of trust to engage in sexual activity with 16 and 17-year-olds in their care.
But this does not extend to cover other adults who could abuse their role, such as sports coaches, faith leaders and driving instructors. There have been cases of children being groomed from a young age and convinced to have sex once they turn 16.
The NSPCC is behind a Close the Loophole campaign urging the Ministry of Justice to update the law to protect children. It has been backed by national sporting bodies, MPs and the network of council safeguarding leads.
Former sports minister Tracey Crouch has been a long-standing supporter for a change in the law, while an NSPCC petition was signed by 4,420 people in just two weeks.
A woman who was manipulated into having sex with her swimming coach when she turned 16 has also written to the Lord Chancellor calling for change.
She told how he became a constant in her life and waited until she was 16, then began to compliment on her appearance and pushed the limits of their relationship, before legally having sex with her.
Unacceptable
She told a friend about the relationship but when police were alerted he couldn't be charged because of the loophole.
Ally Sultana, NSPCC campaigns manager for the Midlands, said: “It’s unacceptable that gaps in our law mean that teenagers are protected from predatory behaviour in the classroom, but not on the sports pitch.
“Young people should never be expected to fend off the sexual advances of adults, and yet the loophole means that 16 and 17-year-olds have to do just that, while their abusers are let off the hook.
“This is a significant moment for the Ministry of Justice to listen to those who were affected and safeguarding experts to Close the Loophole and make it clear that sexual abuse is never tolerable.”
Jane Nickerson, Swim England chief executive, said: “We’re pleased that there will be a review to help #CloseTheLoophole.
“We have been supportive of this campaign for a number of years. As the recognised national governing body, safeguarding is a key priority for us."
