The history of child prostitution laws in the UK

Victorian Britain: When Child Exploitation Was Hidden in Plain Sight

In the late 19th century, child sexual exploitation was widespread but rarely acknowledged. Poverty, lack of education, and the absence of child protection laws left many children vulnerable to abuse and trafficking.

Public attention finally turned to the issue in 1885, when journalist W.T. Stead exposed the case of Eliza Armstrong, a 13-year-old girl who was bought from her mother in a sting designed to reveal the sale of children for sex. The scandal provoked national outrage and led to the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885, which:

• Raised the age of consent from 13 to 16.

• Made it illegal to procure girls under 18 for prostitution.

• Strengthened penalties for sexual offences against minors.

It was a turning point, but far from justice. Children who were sexually exploited were still often treated as delinquents rather than victims of abuse.

The 20th Century: Criminalised, Not Protected

For much of the 20th century, laws continued to punish rather than protect exploited children. The Street Offences Act 1959, for example, targeted those who “loitered or solicited for prostitution.” In practice, this meant that many young people – some as young as 13 or 14 – were arrested and fined for acts they were coerced into.

The language of the law reinforced this injustice. Children were labelled as “child prostitutes,” a term that suggested choice or criminality rather than exploitation and abuse.

During these decades, survivors were left without recognition, protection, or justice.

The 2003 Sexual Offences Act: A Shift Toward Protection

It wasn’t until the Sexual Offences Act 2003 that a major legal shift occurred. The Act clearly stated that:

“Any child under the age of 18 involved in sexual activity for payment or reward is a victim of abuse.”

This was the first time UK law recognised that a child cannot consent to sexual exploitation, regardless of circumstance or perceived “agreement.” It reframed children in these situations as victims who needed safeguarding and support, not punishment.

2015: Language Matters: From “Child Prostitution” to “Child Sexual Exploitation”

In 2015, the UK formally removed the term “child prostitution” from legislation and replaced it with “child sexual exploitation.”

This wasn’t just semantics. It was a powerful change in how society and the justice system understood abuse. The new terminology recognised that:

• Children cannot consent to exploitation.

• Responsibility lies solely with perpetrators and facilitators.

• Language must reflect trauma and protect survivors.

This shift helped transform the way services, police, and courts respond to victims, with compassion and understanding rather than blame.

2025: Finally Correcting Past Injustices

In November 2025, the UK government announced amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill to expunge historic convictions of children who had been prosecuted for offences linked to “child prostitution.”

This means that survivors who were once criminalised for their own exploitation can finally have their records wiped clean. A long-overdue act of justice.

It acknowledges a painful truth: for generations, the system failed to protect the very children it should have defended.

Where We Are Today

Today, the UK recognises that all children involved in sexual exploitation are victims of abuse and are entitled to protection and support. Safeline continues to advocate for survivors and work to ensure no child is ever blamed for the harm done to them. But this history is a reminder that progress takes persistence. The language we use, the policies we uphold, and the systems we build must always centre the voices and safety of survivors.

In September, Safeline hosted its first Victims Voice Forum attended by survivors and professionals. The Warwickshire Victim’s Voice Forum for survivors of S.A. is inviting survivors to take part. Whether you have reported to the police or not, your experience matters, and it can help the way the system responds to survivors of S.A.

In January 2026, the Forum will open the door for more survivors and professionals to meet face to face and keep that conversation alive. Real stories. Real accountability. Real learning.
The first Forum showed what happens when people stop talking about change and start creating it. The next one will build on that.

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