Victims of sexual offenses denied justice for the sake of child perpetrators, says Jess Phillips Former safeguarding minister Jess Phillips has criticized lenient sentencing for teenage boys convicted of sexual offenses, stating that victims are being asked to ‘suck it up’ for the perceived benefit of the perpetrators’ rehabilitation. She is calling for a review of sentencing guidelines, arguing they do not account for the rising trend of child-on-child sexual abuse and that the focus is too heavily on the perpetrator rather than public safety. Phillips also expressed concern that serious offenses are being filmed to create ‘content for an eyeball economy’ and highlighted the impact of online pornography on young people.

• Victims of sexual offenses by children are being overlooked in favor of perpetrators’ rehabilitation, according to Jess Phillips.
• Phillips calls for a review of sentencing guidelines, which she believes do not reflect the growing trend of child-on-child sexual abuse.
• Two cases involving teenage boys receiving youth rehabilitation orders for rape and sexual assault have caused public outrage.
• The Attorney General has referred the Fordingbridge sentences to the court of appeal as unduly lenient.
• Phillips suggests that crime is becoming ‘content for an eyeball economy,’ with offenses being filmed.
• She also cited the growth in online pornography as a contributing factor to the rise in sexual offenses committed by children.
• Preventive measures and early intervention in schools and the youth justice system are also recommended.