Consultation on Policy on Sexual Communication with a Child Ends

9 December 2022

Government

Government Response to consultation feedback published

Between Tuesday 13 September and Tuesday 27 September a public consultation was held on a draft Policy on Sexual Communication with a Child.

AIG has a constitutional duty to ensure that adequate safeguarding measures are in place to protect children, and more broadly that suitable laws are in place to allow authorities to prevent, and respond as necessary to, threats to public safety.

In July 2022, the Sexual (Communication with a child) Offences Ordinance 2022 was introduced into law in St Helena. This served to prohibit communication with a child for sexual gratification and any matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Following the introduction of this legislation, a review was undertaken in Ascension to assess legal provision relating to this issue.

Whilst some provision exists through the Sexual Offences Act 2003, with similar offences in Ascension previously being charged under section 10 (causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity), these provisions are poorly suited to addressing matters such as these.

As such, a specific and targeted Policy on Sexual Communication with a Child has been developed.

By developing a published policy that works to deter and prevent sexual communication with children from occurring, a suitable basis for similar legislative provision to enforce such a policy will be established.

No responses were submitted and following completion of the consultation period on Tuesday 27 September, officials considered the draft policy accepted.

The Government Response is available online through the AIG website here or through the Administrator’s Office in Georgetown.

The post consultation policy is also available online through the AIG website here or through the Administrator’s Office in Georgetown.