The Department of Justice NI’s announcement last month of the coming into force of a change in law making it illegal for faith group leaders and sports coaches to have sex with 16 and 17-year-olds in their care has been hailed a landmark step by the NSPCC.
The child protection charity gained widespread political and public support for its ‘Close the Loophole’ campaign, which called for the change in the law and was launched after the football abuse scandal in 2016 highlighted how adults exploited their positions of authority in sports settings to abuse children.
Under the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008, it is illegal for adults such as teachers, care workers, social workers and doctors to have sexual activity with 16- and 17-year-olds in their care.
This has now been extended through the commencement of Section 5 of the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 to cover adults working in faith and sports settings.
Caroline Cunningham, NSPCC NI’s Acting Policy and Public Affairs Manager, said: “We are delighted that this legal loophole has now been closed and very much welcome this vital change in legislation, which will further protect children from sexual abuse by adults with power and authority. It is truly a landmark step and should send a clear message that young people in Northern Ireland can take part in the extracurricular activities they love without being at risk of grooming by the very adults they should look to for support and guidance.
“NSPCC NI has been delighted to work in partnership with the Department of Justice NI to bring about this much-needed legal change, and it is essential that the law change is now clearly understood by adults working with young people and the wider criminal justice system.
“Going forward, we will need a clear public education campaign, which makes everyone aware that all children will be protected from abuse by all adults in a position of trust to them.
“We would like to thank everyone who stood up for children and supported our campaign to help make this happen”.
The NSPCC Helpline provides adults with a place they can get advice and support, share their concerns about a child or get general information about child protection. The Helpline can be contacted for free on 0808 800 5000 or by emailing: [email protected]
Follow NSPCC NI on: @nspccni (Twitter/X) @nspccnorthernireland (Facebook) @nspccni (Instagram).