| answer text |
<p>Any sexual activity with a child under 16 is a criminal offence, regardless of
whether consent is given. Any non-consensual sexual activity is also a crime, whatever
the age of the victim and whatever the relationship between the victim and perpetrator.</p><p>
</p><p>Where a manipulative offender grooms a child prior to them reaching the age
of consent and then engages in a sexual relationship with them when they are over
16, this could be prosecuted under offences such as Section 15a of the Sexual Offences
Act 2003.</p><p> </p><p>We remain absolutely committed to protecting children and
young people from sexual abuse and we already have a wide range of criminal offences
under which to prosecute and sentence those who carry out such acts. We continue to
keep this under review.</p>
|
 |
