Yesterday I spoke in one of the final parliamentary debates of 2015 about the sexual exploitation of 16-17 year olds. This is a very important issue and I was delighted the debate was secured before Parliament went into recess, with the timing being so relevant for many children who will not have the enjoyable festive period they ought to have.
At any age, people can be at risk of abuse and exploitation, but 16 and 17-year-olds are legally still considered to be children. It is naive to believe that because a young girl or boy has reached the age of consent, they will automatically understand if they are being targeted or groomed. Predatory individuals seek out vulnerable youngsters and pose as people who can be trusted and relied on. Often those individuals were once vulnerable young people themselves. The damage that can be done to young people subjected to those offences has a long-lasting impact on their individual future and on our society as a whole.
Following on from the roundtable I hosted last month with the Children’s Society on supported accommodation for 16-17 year olds, I wanted to reiterate the need for action in this area, which goes hand in hand with the risk of sexual abuse too many children can suffer. In many settings, 16 and 17-year-olds can be placed in the same building as people who might be up to nine years older than them. They could be placed with ex- offenders, or with individuals who have other vulnerabilities such as mental health issues, or those suffering from substance misuse.
I called on the Minister to take forward the recommendations in the Children’s Society, “Old enough to know better?” report, as well as requesting particular focus and consideration on the risks of safeguarding children in supported accommodation, to ensure that those settings can effectively protect vulnerable children from harm.
I was pleased the Minister, Karen Bradley, responded positively and recognised that Children in care are particularly vulnerable as well as showing her appreciation for the work of the Children’s Society. There was also a pledge made to do more to tackle all aspects of child sexual abuse and exploitation, which includes sentencing guidelines that adds aggravating factors such as the use of alcohol and drugs on victims. The Minister was also very welcoming of further one-to-one discussions with Members about the other initiatives the Government is taking forwards and I look forward to taking this opportunity with her.
You can read the full debate here: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cmhansrd/cm151217/debtext/151217-0002.htm#15121727000001