Examining the Current State of Grooming Laws in the UK

Politicians have repeatedly faced questions about whether the UK's legal offenses adequately cover all incidents of sexual violence, a debate revived following the conviction of comedian Russell Brand for rape and sexual assault, and separate accusations against David Walliams, who denies being a predator and faces no criminal investigation. While the modern landscape of sexual offenses in England and Wales has become more nuanced over the last two decades, public debate persists. Since 2003, it has been an offense for an adult to meet a child following sexual grooming, and recent sentencing guidelines factor grooming in to increase prison terms. However, some campaigners continue to call for clearer definitions and a self-standing crime for the intention to groom even if no abuse takes place.