Closed petition: Introduce new specific criminal offence of Adult Grooming & Exploitation

Closed on 11 February 2026

AGE - Adult Grooming and Exploitation - is a proposed law to introduce a specific criminal offence to cover grooming, coercion, deception, manipulation, & exploitation of adults, including situations where consent is obtained by deception. Grooming doesn’t stop at adulthood - protect adults now.

The offence should cover adult grooming, coercion, deception, and exploitation, including consent obtained by deception and emotional manipulation. We believe current laws leave many adults unprotected, not just the legally vulnerable. Survivors face trauma, isolation, and lack of justice. Cases often involve complex factors including faith and cultural pressures. This petition builds on previous campaigns to close serious gaps in safeguarding adults. Act now to protect vulnerable lives.