At 16 years old, I was groomed by a 46 year old man. Because I'd reached the age of consent, the law offered no safeguard - no arrest and no protection. This led to three years of abuse. I'm fighting now so that no other vulnerable child is failed like this.

In every other part of the law, 16 year olds are still treated as children who need protecting. So why does the age of consent leave them completely exposed once they turn 16? This loophole allows older adults (sometimes decades older) to exploit and manipulate young people who lack the life experience to spot grooming or power imbalances. The current law too often protects the predators, not the children.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003, which sets the age of consent at 16, hasn't been properly reviewed or updated since it came into force over 20 years ago. In that time, we've seen massive technological and social changes; smartphones, social media, easy online contact. Grooming is far easier and more dangerous for vulnerable 16 and 17 year olds today than it was in 2003. The law is outdated and failing to keep up.

Even child pornography laws recognise this vulnerability: under the Protection of Children Act 1978 (as amended), indecent images of anyone under 18 are illegal to make, possess, or share - treating 16 and 17 year olds as children who need protection from exploitation in that context. Yet when it comes to actual sexual contact with much older adults, the law steps back and offers no extra safeguard. This inconsistency leaves young people dangerously exposed.

An age cap of 25 for sexual partners of 16 and 17 year olds would close this dangerous gap. It keeps the base age of consent at 16 for age-appropriate relationships, but adds a vital extra layer of protection against predatory older individuals.

Some argue this limits personal freedoms, but safeguarding vulnerable teens must come first. Many professions already recognise how age gaps create unequal dynamics and enforce strict rules to prevent exploitation - why shouldn't the law do the same here?

Other countries use similar measures, like close-in-age rules or targeted protections, to adapt to modern risks of grooming and abuse. Bringing UK law in line would better shield our youth.

Changing this wouldn't just protect individuals - it would send a clear message that society prioritises safety over loopholes that shield predators.

Let's make this happen. Sign the petition to urge Parliament to introduce an age cap of 25 for sexual partners of 16 and 17 year olds. Together, we can stop vulnerable young people from being exploited.