29 Nov Sex crimes committed by adults in positions of trust DOUBLES
Sex crimes committed by adults in positions of trust have more than doubled across the East of England since 2014, official figures show.
The number of offences whereby professionals such as teachers, care staff and youth justice workers targeted 16 and 17-year-olds in their care for sex rose to 53 in the year to June, up from 20 three years ago.
Nearly 150 crimes were recorded over the period across the eight police force areas which make up the region.
Across England and Wales there was an 82% rise over the four years, with nearly 1,000 abuses of position of trust since 2014.
Position of Trust laws don’t currently apply to other adults working with young people, but Government this month announced it plans to extend legislation to cover sports coaches.
The NSPCC’s #TrustToLead campaign is urging Government to go further and extend the law to cover all adults working regularly with children, including religious leaders, adults working in the arts, outdoor pursuits and other activities.
The current loophole means adults with regular and intense contact with children in extra-curricular activities are able to groom them from a young age, and abuse that trusting relationship to have sexual contact as soon as the child turns 16.
This was what happened to Lee* who was befriended by youth leader, Adam* at his church group when he was 15. Adam began texting Lee and asking to spend time together outside of the group.
