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Open Require that the media refer to sexual abuse victims under 18 as "children"

Created by Susannah Beavan
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Media outlets can refer to victims of sexual offences under 18 as “young women”. We feel this language is inaccurate, risks minimising child sexual abuse, and conflicts with safeguarding and child protection principles.

We ask the Government to require accurate, child-appropriate terminology in media reporting.

In UK law, anyone under 18 is a child. Referring to children as adults in reporting on sexual offences can distort public understanding of these crimes and undermine child protection and safeguarding. Anyone who is a child and a victim should be reported as a child. Not a young adult. Not a young woman. Not a young man. A child.

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    This petition will stay open until 16 September 2026.