Sarah's Law Campaign for Legal Change
The Sarah's Law campaign emerged following the tragic abduction and murder of 8-year-old Sarah Payne in 2000. It sought to introduce a law requiring police to disclose information about local sex offenders to parents and carers of children.
Purpose: Protect children from abductions and attacks by known sex offenders.
Driving Force: Sarah's mother, Sara Payne, initiated the campaign after learning her daughter's killer had a prior conviction for child sexual assault.
Methods: The campaign utilized public appearances and extensive newspaper coverage to promote their cause and spread awareness.
Success: According to Home Office ministers, Sarah's Law has protected 60 children, indicating a measure of success.
Quote: "If I had known that such an offender lived nearby, I would have not let my children play in the local fields by themselves." - Sara Payne
Vocabulary: Sarah's Law UK check refers to the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme that allows parents to inquire about sex offenders in their area.
Definition: Sarah's Law is the child sex offender disclosure scheme in England and Wales that allows parents, carers, and guardians to formally ask the police if someone has a record of child sexual offenses.