Splintered Lives - Barnardo's

PAGE 80
chapter
14
Conclusion
and recommendations
Whilst sexual exploitation is a particular form of child abuse, we have attempted
throughout this document to highlight the ways it connects to other forms of abuse, and
to the broader context of children's rights and children's lives. It is clear to us that little
headway will be made on this issue if national and local governments are not
committed to improving the quality of all children's lives within the framework laid out
in the UN Convention. In addressing sexual exploitation we are seeking to explore a gap
in current policy and practice, not to argue for hierarchies in children's rights.
We have made recommendations at various points throughout the document, and do
not intend to repeat all of them here. What we present here are both general and
specific recommendations which we trust will be read in context of the document as a
whole.
Legislation and law enforcement
Britain
�� Review and revision of all relevant British legislation in the spirit of
the UN convention, and to include provisions for extra-territorial jurisdiction.
�� Review and revision of the Attorney Generals guidelines on the prosecution of
incest cases, and this to encompass all forms of sexual violence against
children.
�� Ongoing monitoring of current practice by police, prosecutors and courts.
�� The establishment of special regional investigative units which have a
responsibility to report annually on their work.
�� The development of special courts and prosecutors whose responsibilities are to
deal with violent and sexual crimes against women and children.
�� The careful assessment of lifetime probation/licences where a history of
repeat offenses is known.
Britain and Europe
�� National governments and the COE to examine the coherence and practicality of
the age limits with reference to the definition of childhood and sexual
exploitation in international law, national law and law enforcement. Of particular
importance here are tensions and inconsistencies which may result in sections
of young people falling through 'loopholes'.