In times of clinical complexity and uncertainty, general practitioners must be capable of routinely accepting “ultimate” responsibility for difficult judgements. All sexual contact with a kid under the age of 16 is prohibited by the Sexual Offences Act of 2003. However, it is not illegal for someone to act in a way that prevents a child from contracting a sexually transmitted virus, ensures their physical safety, stops them from getting pregnant, or helps them feel better emotionally by offering guidance. Medical-legal academic writers have contrasted the particular defense of double-effect utilized in the area of palliative care with the legal separation of purpose and foreseeability. In order to build an ethical framework for this issue’s examination, this essay aims to draw on legal concepts. This case study is intended to spark more debate, clarify the moral justification for the current GP guidelines, and demonstrate how the doctrine or principle of twofold effect can be applied to situations outside the scope of palliative medicine.
Category: Sexual Offences
2010 Sexual misconduct by health professionals; Rehabilitation of offenders.
One of the most heinous acts a health worker could commit is having sexual contact with a patient or client. Discipline is meted out when this occur, however it varies depending on the particulars of each incidence of exploitation, such as license revocation, fines, and suspension. On the other hand, when it is essential, rehabilitation is also provided and may involve counselling, restricted practice, clinical supervision, and few others.
Child Sexual Abuse: Guidelines on Prosecuting Cases of Child Sexual Abuse.
These guidelines are designed to set out the approach that prosecutors should take when dealing with child sexual abuse cases or all types. The decision to involve the CPS at an early stage is a matter for the police but experience has shown that early CPS involvement can help address some of the evidential or presentational issues that may arise at a later stage of a case. As well as considering the circumstances of child sexual abuse, supporting victims and witnesses, counselling and therapy are included. The credibility of the victim is considered and typical signs of those who are vulnerable to child sexual exploitation, or who have been abused are listed. Issues around sexting are given. The conduct of the trial is outlined.
Sentencing Council Definitive Guideline.
These guidelines apply in England and Wales.
They cover guidelines for the Magistrates Court and for the Crown Court. In the former you can search ‘Sexual Offences’ to obtain a list of such offences. For the Crown Court, the type of offence ‘Sexual Offences’ can be selected from the drop down list. Scroll down the list to find the offence title, click on that for further information.
Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA)
MAPPA is the body which brings together police, probation, prison services and other relevant agencies (such as health and housing) to ensure successful management of violent and sexual offenders in the community.
Detailed information about how MAPPA works can be found at: https://mappa.justice.gov.uk/connect.ti/MAPPA/groupHome
Guidance for the professionals (which is also on the MAPPA site above): https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multi-agency-public-protection-arrangements-mappa–2
Internet Watch Foundation
This body work internationally to make the internet a safer place. They invite the public to report images and videos of child sexual abuse anonymously, and search themselves to identify then remove sites. Statistics are given as to the number of sites removed and their locations.
They include the sources used for determining their assessment and removal of content:
https://www.iwf.org.uk/what-we-do/how-we-assess-and-remove-content/case-laws
The site also covers legal guidelines on the law relating to the internet and assessing images: https://www.iwf.org.uk/what-we-do/how-we-assess-and-remove-content/laws-and-assessment-levels
Indecent images of children: guidance for young people
This page is a straightforward look at what constitutes unlawful acts in the current climate of social media and imagery. Whilst this clear guide is aimed at young people it is pertinent to everyone.
Computer evidence
Advice is given on the website of Graham Dilloway, a computer expert witness.
The most useful pages might be:
Regarding definitions:
http://www.dilloway.co.uk/definition-of-indecent-image-offences.html
Issues around whether there is specific evidence of a deliberate act:
http://www.dilloway.co.uk/appeal-judgement-and-evidence.html
Misunderstanding by officers of what has been found:http://www.dilloway.co.uk/police-interviews.html