Professional abuse
Experience shows that people can be victims of abuse and exploitation by those who work with them in any context. It is crucial that where we witness or suspect that someone in either a professional or unpaid volunteering role is acting inappropriately towards a child or adult, this is reported.
We often see headlines about people in a professional role who have behaved in an abusive way. These concerns need to be managed in the same way as all alleged concerns about abuse or harm and reported accordingly. It is important not to dismiss concerns just because someone is in a responsible role or a position of trust.
What is a abuse of a position of trust?
Sexual offences legislation already provides that any sexual activity involving children under 16 is unlawful. The primary motivation for legislation which addresses the abuse of positions of trust is the need to protect young people aged 16 and 17 who, despite reaching the age of consent for sexual activity, are considered to be vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation, in defined circumstances. This includes sexual activity and relationships with adults who hold a position of trust, responsibility or authority in relation to them and, as a result, have a considerable amount of power and influence in their lives. The law defines specific roles and settings where sexual activity between 16 and 17 year olds and those in positions of trust, responsibility or authority constitutes a criminal offence.
Examples of specific roles:
- teachers
- foster carers
Examples of specific settings
- educational institutions
- residential care homes
- hospitals
- young offenders institutions
People in these roles or working in such settings may well be in positions of trust, will normally have power and authority in a young person’s life, and may have a key influence on their future. They will have regular contact with the young person, and may be acting in loco parentis.