UNITED KINGDOM
The Times
John Simpson, Crime Correspondent
March 20 2017
The Times
A new law against “sexual communication with a child” will finally be brought into force after two years of delays and public pressure.
Liz Truss, the justice secretary, will announce the law, which is designed to help to stop child sexual abuse at the earliest stages, today.
The legislation has been the focus of public anger since it was passed in March 2015 but the government failed to usher through a commencement order that is needed before law enforcement agencies could use the power. Missed opportunities to prosecute offenders are thought to run into thousands. Ms Truss will also announce measures to give alleged rape victims the option to record their evidence on tape before trials.
“In a world of mobile phones and social media our children are ever more vulnerable to those who prey on their innocence,” she said yesterday. “This new offence will help us to tackle the early stages of grooming and nip in the bud those targeting children online or through texts.”
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