Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
last wk.

UK Crime Bill Advances with 'Romeo and Juliet' Exemption for Teenage Relationships

The exemption, approved in committee, balances safeguarding with proportionality, avoiding criminalization of consensual teenage relationships while maintaining mandatory reporting for abuse.

Image
Image
Juliet, played by Claire Danes in the 1996 film, is 14 and Romeo, played by Leonardo DiCaprio is implied to be older
Image

Overview

  • The Crime and Policing Bill introduces mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse for professionals, including teachers and health workers, in England.
  • A newly added 'Romeo and Juliet' clause exempts consensual sexual relationships between teens aged 13 and above from mandatory reporting, provided there is no evidence of coercion or abuse.
  • This exemption aims to prevent unnecessary criminalization of consensual teenage activity while ensuring professionals exercise judgment in safeguarding cases.
  • The clause received cross-party support during the committee stage, reflecting a unified approach to balancing child protection with proportionality.
  • Professionals who fail to report abuse face sanctions, and deliberate suppression of reports could lead to criminal penalties of up to seven years in prison.