Victims of sexual abuse forced to ‘suck it up’ for sake of child perpetrators, warns Jess Phillips
Jess Phillips has raised concerns about the treatment of victims of sexual abuse committed by children, stating they are being asked to 'suck it up' for the sake of their attackers' rehabilitation. She has called for a review of sentencing guidelines, which she believes do not adequately address the growing trend of child-on-child sexual abuse. Phillips emphasized the need for early intervention and better preventative measures to protect victims and address the underlying issues driving these crimes.
- ▪Victims of sexual offences committed by children are being asked to prioritize the rehabilitation of their attackers.
- ▪Recent cases have sparked public outrage over lenient sentences given to teenage boys convicted of serious sexual crimes.
- ▪Phillips argues that current sentencing guidelines do not reflect the increasing trend of children sexually abusing other children.
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Phillips also said sentencing guidelines did not take into account the ‘growing trend’ of children sexually abusing other children. Photograph: Thomas Krych/Story Picture Agency/ShutterstockView image in fullscreenPhillips also said sentencing guidelines did not take into account the ‘growing trend’ of children sexually abusing other children. Photograph: Thomas Krych/Story Picture Agency/ShutterstockRape and sexual assaultVictims of sexual offences denied justice for sake of child perpetrators, says Jess PhillipsFormer safeguarding minister calls for sentencing guidelines review and fears crime now seen as ‘content for an eyeball economy’Sammy GecsoylerSat 30 May 2026 07.37 EDTLast modified on Sat 30 May 2026 07.54 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe former safeguarding minister…
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