Grooming Definition
As one of our key manifesto asks, Thirtyone:eight are calling for the introduction of a statutory definition of grooming for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
"Despite current laws in the UK addressing grooming behaviours, the lack of a recognised legal definition and statutory guidance as to what grooming is means that cases of grooming remain high.”
- Justin Humphreys, Joint-CEO, Thirtyone:eight
The Opportunity
Criminalising grooming offers a much greater level of protection to vulnerable people from those who intend to groom. When a person grooms a child, intervention is needed so charges may be brought, and the victim protected from further harm.
The Challenge
Despite current laws in the UK addressing grooming behaviours, a lack of a recognised legal definition and statutory guidance as to what grooming is means that cases of grooming remain high, particularly online, leaving children and young people at risk.
Our Recommendations
- A clear and recognised legal definition of grooming and statutory guidance for all UK nations.
- Provisions for the online element of grooming which is increasing across the UK. This must be specifically referenced in legislation and measures to prevent against this added.
- The age of the provisions across the UK applies to anyone under 16. Provisions should be extended for young people between 16-18 who still be at risk of grooming despite being of legal age to engage in sexual activity.
- Create an offence of grooming which focuses on the preceding grooming behaviour as opposed to the focus in current legislation on the intention to meet and abuse children post the grooming behaviour having occurred.
