Police to get new powers to seize child-like sexual abuse dolls

The Child-like Sexual Abuse Dolls (Offences) Private Members’ Bill passed its second reading in Parliament and has now progressed to committee stage. Anyone convicted of an offence under the proposed law could face up to five years in prison.

The Government said police had encountered the dolls while investigating suspected child sexual abuse and when monitoring registered sex offenders. However, current legislation does not create a specific offence for owning or making the dolls.

Ministers said the new law would close that loophole and give police greater powers to seize the items and prosecute those involved in their manufacture or sale.

Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Minister Satvir Kaur said: “Children must be protected from sexual abuse in every form – online, offline and wherever the threat appears. “I am horrified these disturbing dolls even exist. This new law will mean we can seize them and prosecute anyone involved in their sick trade.”

The legislation is being supported by the Government as part of its wider programme to tackle child sexual abuse and exploitation.

The Government recently announced £100 million in funding to combat child sexual abuse, improve the police response and support victims and survivors.

The NSPCC also welcomed the Bill, describing it as an important step towards closing what it called a “dangerous gap in the law”.

Acting head of policy and public affairs Abigail Gill said there was no comprehensive evidence that using the dolls prevented potential offenders from committing contact offences against children. She warned that their use or other realistic props could risk desensitising adults to child sexual abuse.

The Bill will now undergo further parliamentary scrutiny before it can become law.