Child Abuse Laws for Coaches, Faith Leaders to Tighten Under Proposed New Act

Sports coaches and faith leaders would no longer be able to legally have sexual relationships with 16 and 17-year-olds in their care, if new legislation introduced to Parliament Tuesday passes.

The proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill seeks to extend the so-called Position of Trust laws in England and Wales to cover more roles that have responsibility over young people, the BBC reported. It also proposes to expand the backing of the police, and increase punishments for many other crimes.

Right now, while the legal age of sexual consent is 16, it’s illegal for people in some professions — like teachers, social workers and doctors —  to have a sexual relationship with 16 or 17-year-olds in their care.

National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) CEO Peter Wanless, told the BBC he was delighted the government had agreed to close the “legal loophole”.

“This landmark step sends a clear message that children and young people can return to the extracurricular activities they love without being at risk of grooming by the very adults they should look to for support and guidance,” he said.

The bill comes in the midst of a raft of high-profile sexual and abuse cases involving minors.

Last month, a group of 17 women and girls filed legal action against British Gymnastics, alleging a culture of physical and psychological abuse by coaches in its clubs against young gymnasts as young as six years old.

Late last year, an Argyll ballet school became the target of police probes after allegations of sexual assault, with one 16-year-old girl allegedly groomed by Ballet West’s 38-year-old vice principal, the BBC reported.

Meanwhile, an Oct. 2020 independent report on the inquiry into Church of England sex abuse revealed children endured abuse for decades, and instead of protecting them, the Church fostered an environment where hundreds of predators could hide.

The new bill is being described by the government as a “justice overhaul” aimed at giving better protection to the public and more backing to the police.

“The move follows an extensive review which raised concerns that predators could exploit the particular influence [sports coaches and religious leaders] can often have in a young person’s life – making them vulnerable to abuse,” the government stated.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill also contains a long list of other provisions, in general increasing the punishments for crimes from the premeditated murder of a child to killing someone while driving, or damaging a memorial. 

It would also make it easier for police to stop and search people they suspect of carrying a knife. For the full list of provisions, click here. 

While parts of the proposed law around young people are being applauded, justice campaigners are criticising the parts that increase police power and punishment.

“There is not a shred of evidence to show that this runaway inflation in punishment reduces crime,” Prison Reform Trust director Peter Dawson told the BBC. 

The bill is sponsored by the Ministry of Justice and Secretary of State for Justice Robert Buckland, of the Welsh Conservative Party, and the Home Office and Home Secretary Priti Patel, of the Conservative Party. It is currently in its first reading of the house.

What do you think about the new bill? Let us know in the comments!

Read More Lawsuit & Settlement News:

British Gymnastics Faces Group Action Claim From 17 Women Alleging Abuse

Boohoo Denies Forced Labour Accusations as Investigation Looms

Inquiry Finds Nearly 400 Church of England Employees Convicted of Child Sex Offences

Do You Qualify: Abuse in Youth Organizations Lawsuit Claim Review