In the last week in the UK, there have been several cases in the media of child abuse and exploitation. Although the UK does have robust legislation to combat child abuse, these cases show that these crimes are still occurring.

The case of Derek Slade, as reported in a BBC documentary this week demonstrates how the UK is failing to monitor convicted child sex offenders, leaving children both in the UK and overseas vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Derek Slade was convicted of sexual offences against children in the UK, yet was able to go on to establish and work at schools overseas and abuse more child victims.

Daniel Taylor, from Leeds, admitted this week at Bradford Crown Court 20 counts of possessing over 300,000 images of child abuse, the largest ever collection seized in the UK, and was given an indeterminate sentence, with a minimum of 3 years before parole could be considered.

This week has also seen an international child abuse investigation resulting in multiple arrests in a number of countries, including the UK. Participants in this international child abuse network traded tens of thousands of images and videos of sexually abused children.

While the UK has robust legislation to prevent such crimes and prosecute offenders, the UK often seems to choose the way in which it implements its own laws and policies. This means that offenders are slipping off the radar.

In light of these cases, ECPAT UK wants the UK government to review all relevant legislation to ensure it is robust enough to protect children, prevent child abuse, and prosecute offenders effectively.

In particular, ECPAT UK wants to see that the UK government is fully committed to implementing the EU Directive on combating sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children and child pornography which will set high levels of penalties and lower thresholds for their maximum penalties.

The Directive should be fully implemented in the spirit of which it is intended, to safeguard all children, including children from abroad. Any delays in implementation by the UK would only mean that offenders would continue to get away with child abuse crimes. ECPAT UK will continue to monitor the UK commitment to combating child abuse and will take action as necessary to ensure the UK upholds its duty to protect children everywhere.   

ENDS

5th August 2011

Press contact: Christine Beddoe, ECPAT UK Director, 07906 341 889