Dear Editor,
As you will know, 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.
However, many of your readers will be shocked to learn that those in other positions such as sports coaches, faith leaders and driving instructors, are not covered by these laws.
The NSPCC is calling for this law to be extended to cover all adults who could abuse their role, so that teenagers are protected from being preyed upon as soon as they turn 16.
Our ‘Close the Loophole’ campaign is growing – in addition to a 4,420- strong petition, Welsh Rugby Union and Christina Rees MP have joined UK Athletics and British Gymnastics in backing our calls.
Survivors have told us about their harrowing experiences of how people have abused their positions of power in this way, and the devastating effect this has had on their lives.
This shouldn’t be the case, and this legal loophole needs to be closed. Young people should never be expected to fend off the sexual advances of adults.
A review into the Positions of Trust Law is due to be released in the coming weeks. This is a significant moment for the Ministry of Justice to listen to those who have been affected. and safeguarding experts. to Close the Loophole and make it clear that sexual abuse is never okay.
Cecile Gwilym
Policy & Public Affairs Manager
NSPCC Cymru
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