Call to ban sports coaches and faith leaders from sex with 16 and 17-year-olds

There is currently no law to prevent adults who work in sports coaching, faith groups and community groups having sexual activity with 16 and 17-year-olds in their power, as the age of consent is 16 and they are not covered by laws preventing teachers, care workers and youth justice workers from doing so.

The third annual Reach Out Speak Out safeguarding conference in Leeds was told that “position of trust” laws should be extended to cover those who work with children in other capacities.

NSPCC campaign officer Jessica McNulty outlined the NSPCC’s Close the Loophole campaign calling on the government to change the law relating to those in a position of trust.

“A lot of people are quite surprised because they think it’s already legislated for,” she told the Yorkshire Post.

In fact, in cases where the child has reported the sexual activity because they felt taken advantage of by a swimming coach or driving instructor, for example, parents and charities have found there is nothing that can be done.

Ms McNulty added: “[Organisations] can have policies in place but this won’t show up on a police check, because it’s not a recorded crime.

“We’ve had cases where an organisation has reprimanded them but they can’t take it further.”

She added: “Our concern is the power imbalance that’s held over this young person. Often it’s exerted by an adult who knows they have considerable influence.

“In that sense, though the young person might think they’re consenting at the time, this adult is manipulating them and grooming them.

“We have had instances where there’s been a disclosure made where it seems abusive because there’s a power imbalance and it does seem like there is something wrong but legally there isn’t anything wrong.”

In many cases, the young people felt they were being groomed at the age of 15 but nothing sexual happened until the child turned 16 so it was considered legal.

“A lot of people who come to us, it’s their first sexual relationship and this adult is exerting their influence and abusing this trust that they have in them,” she added.

The issue has previously been debated in Parliament and the NSPCC is hoping to win the support of the Government to push through changes after more than 3,5000 emailed their MPs in January in support of the campaign.

The charity is planning to meet with the Ministry of Justice and children who have been affected later in the year.

Children’s author and honorary NSPCC council member Christina Gabbitas, who organised the Reach Out Speak Out conference, said previous conferences have had positive feedback, adding: “I wanted to keep the momentum going this year and get people talking about the real issue of abuse of power and what we need to do as organisations and individuals to prevent it.”

A Government spokesperson said: “Abuse of power is an abhorrent crime which rightly carries tough sentences - including life imprisonment.

“We have reviewed the law around abuse of power and sexual activity, and will set out our plans in due course.”