Sarah’s Law, also known as the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, was catalyzed by the reporting of the now-defunct newspaper News of the World. The law, which allows parents to ask the police if someone has a record for child sexual offences, was introduced in 2011 after a successful campaign led by the family of Sarah Payne, a young girl who was abducted and murdered by a convicted sex offender.
In 2000, eight-year-old Sarah Payne was kidnapped and murdered by Roy Whiting, a repeat sex offender who had previously served time for kidnapping and sexually assaulting another young girl. The case shocked and horrified the nation, and prompted widespread calls for a change in the law to protect children from known sex offenders.
At the time, News of the World, then one of the UK’s most popular newspapers, ran a high-profile campaign calling for a “Sarah’s Law” to give parents the right to know if someone with a history of child sexual offences was living in their neighborhood. The campaign gained widespread support from the public and politicians, and put pressure on the government to take action.
In response to the campaign and public outcry, the government introduced Sarah’s Law in 2011, giving parents the right to request information from the police about anyone with access to their children who may pose a risk of harm. The law is designed to help parents make informed decisions about who they allow their children to spend time with, and to protect vulnerable young people from potential predators.
The introduction of Sarah’s Law marked a significant victory for child protection campaigners, and a lasting legacy of Sarah Payne’s tragic death. It serves as a reminder of the importance of robust laws and policies to prevent child sexual abuse, and the power of the media to bring about positive change in society.
In conclusion, Sarah’s Law was catalyzed by the reporting of News of the World, and stands as a powerful example of how media campaigns can influence policy and bring about real change. The law continues to play a vital role in protecting children from harm, and serves as a tribute to the memory of Sarah Payne and all those who have been affected by child sexual abuse.