Make it illegal for over 18s to engage in sexual activity with under 18s

Closed 94 signatures

What the petition asks

We want to prevent sexual exploitation of 16-17 year olds, recognising young people at this age are vulnerable to grooming & exploitation by adults. This petition asks the UK govt. to better protect 16-17 year olds by making it illegal for adults to engage in sexual activity with any under 18s.

It is currently legal for anyone over 18 to have sexual contact with a 16 or 17 year-old - unless they are in a 'position of trust' and the child is in their care. That adult could be a ’family friend’ who has the trust of a child’s parents/carers and has known the child their whole life.

Timeline

26 Apr 2022	Petition opened for signatures
9 Nov 2022	Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 94

Status Closed

Department Home Office

Opened 26 Apr 2022

Closed 9 Nov 2022

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