AYJ Report Launch: From Exploited to Exploiter? Preventing the Unjust Criminalisation of Young Adult Victims of Criminal Exploitation
Join us online on 19 September, 12.00-1.30pm, for the launch of From Exploited to Exploiter?, a new AYJ policy briefing exploring the unjust criminalisation of victims of child criminal exploitation (CCE) who are transitioning to adulthood.
As the Crime and Policing Bill makes its way through Parliament, creating a new offence of CCE, there is a critical opportunity to improve the response for victims - but a growing risk that exploited young adults will be harshly prosecuted as perpetrators. The briefing, produced by the Alliance for Youth Justice and funded by Barrow Cadbury Trust, examines this risk and delves into how current policy and practice across safeguarding services, police, prosecutors, and courts, including the use of the National Referral Mechanism and section 45 defence against prosecution, is leaving young adults vulnerable to continued exploitation and conviction.
This event will bring together policymakers, practitioners, lawyers, academics, and voluntary sector leaders for a presentation of the report's findings, a panel of expert reflections, and discussion on the urgent reforms and inter-agency collaboration needed to support young people and protect them from severe prison sentences as they transition to adulthood.
Our expert panel includes:
Aika Stephenson, Co-Founder and Legal Director, Just for Kids Law
Dez Holmes, Director, Research in Practice
Dr Grace Robinson, Director, Black Box Research and Consultancy
If you have any questions about the specifics of the event or briefing, please email [email protected]