•

18 Jan 2026

•

1 page

Helen's and Sarah's Law Campaigns: Methods, Success, and Media Role

Demetra

@demetra_21

Helen's Law and Sarah's Law were two significant campaigns in... Show more

Helen's Law

Helen's Law, also known as the Helen's law campaign background and purpose, was initiated in response to the murder of Helen McCourt in 1988. The campaign's primary objective was to prevent parole for killers who refused to disclose the location of their victims' remains.

Background of Helen's Law:

Helen McCourt was murdered by Ian Simms in 1988. Despite his conviction, Simms never revealed the location of Helen's body. He was arrested based on evidence found in his car, including blood and an earring. In 1989, Simms received a life sentence with a minimum term of 16 years before parole consideration.

Highlight: Marie McCourt, Helen's mother, attempted to communicate with Simms to learn her daughter's whereabouts, but her efforts were unsuccessful.

Purpose of the Campaign:

The Helen's Law campaign methods focused on preventing parole for killers who withheld information about their victims' remains. Marie McCourt initiated the campaign in 2015, gathering over 600,000 signatures on a petition that was subsequently presented to the Prime Minister.

Example: The campaign's petition garnered significant public support, demonstrating the widespread concern about this issue in the criminal justice system.

Media Involvement and Opposition:

The Mirror newspaper played a crucial role in promoting the campaign, publishing a series of articles over three years. This media involvement significantly raised public awareness about the issue.

Highlight: The role the media played in Helen's Law campaign was instrumental in garnering public support and putting pressure on lawmakers.

However, the campaign faced some opposition. Critics argued that Helen's Law could potentially be misused by criminals, who might provide false information about victims' whereabouts, causing further distress to families.

Success of Helen's Law:

Despite initial delays due to Brexit, Helen's Law was introduced successfully. On November 4, 2020, The Disclosure of Information About Victims Act received Royal Assent, marking a significant victory for the campaign.

Highlight: The success of Helen's Law campaign was a testament to the perseverance of Marie McCourt and the power of public support.

Tragically, Ian Simms was released in 2020 and died two years later without ever revealing the location of Helen's remains.

Sarah's Law

Sarah's Law, another significant campaign in the UK, aimed to protect children from sexual predators by allowing parents access to information about registered sex offenders in their area.

Background of Sarah's Law:

The campaign was sparked by the tragic abduction, sexual assault, and murder of Sarah Payne in July 2000. The perpetrator, Roy Whiting, was a convicted paedophile who received a life sentence for his crimes.

Quote: Sarah's mother, Sara Payne, stated, "If I had known a sexual offender lived nearby, I would not have let my child play outside by herself."

Purpose of the Campaign:

The aim of Sarah's Law campaign was to introduce legislation in the UK that would allow parents and guardians to access information about registered sex offenders or dangerous individuals living in their vicinity.

Highlight: Sarah's parents actively supported the campaign, which sought to empower parents with information to protect their children.

Media Involvement:

The News of the World newspaper played a significant role in promoting Sarah's Law, launching their campaign in July 2000.

Highlight: The media's involvement in Sarah's Law, much like in Helen's Law, was crucial in raising public awareness and putting pressure on policymakers.

Success of Sarah's Law:

The campaign led to the introduction of the Child Sex Offender Disclosure pilot scheme in 2008. This year-long project was deemed successful by the Home Office, reportedly protecting 60 children.

Highlight: The success of Sarah's Law campaign resulted in a significant change in how information about sex offenders is shared with the public.

Under the current UK scheme, parents who receive information about an individual's record are not permitted to share this information with others, ensuring a balance between public safety and individual rights.

Comparing Helen's and Sarah's Law Campaigns:

Both Helen's Law and Sarah's Law campaigns emerged from tragic circumstances and aimed to address specific gaps in the criminal justice system. They share similarities in their use of media support and public petitions to drive change. However, they differ in their specific focuses: Helen's Law targets offenders who withhold information about their victims, while Sarah's Law aims to provide information about potential threats in communities.

Highlight: A comparison of Helen's and Sarah's Law campaigns reveals how grassroots efforts can lead to significant legal reforms, especially when backed by strong media support and public sentiment.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content in Criminology

Criminal Justice Evidence Rules

Explore the essential rules governing the use of evidence in criminal cases, including reliability, admissibility, and relevance. This summary covers key concepts such as the roles of personnel in investigations, the impact of witness testimonies, and the implications of plea bargaining. Ideal for Year 13 criminology students preparing for assessments.

Criminology

WJEC Unit 4 Criminology

Criminology unit 4 detailed revision note

Criminology

Criminology Case Studies Overview

Explore key case studies in criminology, focusing on criminal behavior, trial processes, and the impact of media and public perception on justice outcomes. This resource covers significant cases, the role of the Crown Prosecution Service, and the principles of just verdicts, providing essential insights for WJEC Criminology assessments.

Criminology

Evaluating Evidence Validity

Explore the critical aspects of evidence validity in criminology, focusing on trial transcripts, media influence, and expert testimonies. This summary covers key concepts such as bias, accuracy, and the impact of circumstances on judicial outcomes. Ideal for students studying Unit 3 AC3.1 in criminology.

Criminology

Criminology Unit 3 - AC:2.4 Example

These are my Criminology Unit 3 - AC:2.4 notes, please utilise these as a guidance for your exam. Ensure you do not use this as your own work as you will be disqualified for plagiarism. Good luck studying! .

Criminology

Justice and Sentencing Analysis

Explore the complexities of justice and sentencing in the criminal justice system. This study note covers key concepts such as jury equity, nullification, just and unjust verdicts, and the implications of unduly lenient or harsh sentences. Analyze case studies including the Birmingham Six and the impact of public opinion on sentencing. Ideal for students studying crime and sentencing principles, this resource aids in drawing informed conclusions about verdict safety and justice. Type: Summary.

Criminology

Validity in Criminology Evidence

Explore the critical aspects of evidence validity in criminology, including media influence, court cases, and the role of expert witnesses. This presentation covers essential sources of information, such as trial transcripts and law reports, and examines how biases can affect judicial outcomes. Perfect for students preparing for assessments in criminology and criminal justice.

Criminology

Criminology Unit 3 - AC:3.1 Example

These are my Criminology Unit 3 - AC:3.1 notes, please utilise these as a guidance for your exam. Ensure you do not use this as your own work as you will be disqualified for plagiarism. Good luck studying! .

Criminology

Criminology Unit 3 - AC:3.2 Example

These are my Criminology Unit 3 - AC:3.2 notes, please utilise these as a guidance for your exam. Ensure you do not use this as your own work as you will be disqualified for plagiarism. Good luck studying! .

Criminology

Most popular content

An Inspector Calls: Character Insights

Explore in-depth analysis and key quotes for characters in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This resource covers Gerald Croft, Inspector Goole, Sheila Birling, Mrs. Birling, Eric Birling, and Eva Smith, focusing on themes of class, gender roles, and social responsibility. Ideal for students aiming for Grade 8 and above.

English Literature

aqa higher tier combined science - biology b1 : cell biology, paper 1

b1: cell biology - paper 1

Biology

Comprehensive Crime & Deviance Overview

Explore an extensive revision of crime and deviance topics, including theories, types of crime, and the impact of media. This resource covers key concepts such as Marxism, functionalism, gender and crime, and the influence of globalization on criminal behavior. Ideal for students seeking a thorough understanding of criminology and its various theories. Type: Full Topic Revision.

Sociology

Sociology of Families: Comprehensive Revision

Dive into an extensive overview of family dynamics, perspectives, and patterns in sociology. This resource covers key concepts such as family diversity, gender roles, marriage, and the impact of social policies on family structures. Perfect for A-Level Sociology students preparing for Paper 2.

Sociology

Sociology of Education Overview

Explore comprehensive A-Level Sociology notes on the education system, covering key theories, policies, and sociological perspectives. This resource includes insights on marketisation, gender roles, cultural deprivation, and educational inequalities, providing a thorough understanding of how education shapes social stratification and individual achievement. Ideal for exam preparation and in-depth study.

Sociology

Macbeth: Guilt and Ambition

Explore the complex themes of guilt and ambition in Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'. This analysis covers key characters, including Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, their moral dilemmas, and the tragic consequences of their ambition. Ideal for students studying character motivations, thematic elements, and the psychological impact of power. Includes insights on the natural order, manipulation, and the descent into madness.

English Literature

Criminal Justice Evidence Rules

Criminology

Biology Paper 1 Overview

Comprehensive study notes covering key concepts in cellular biology, human digestion, respiration, photosynthesis, and the circulatory system. This resource includes detailed explanations of cell structures, enzyme functions, nutrient absorption, and the impact of environmental factors on biological processes. Ideal for students preparing for Biology Paper 1 exams.

Biology

Key Quotes from Macbeth

Explore essential quotes from Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' that highlight key themes such as ambition, guilt, and deception. This analysis includes significant lines from characters like Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, along with their context in the play. Ideal for students studying character development and thematic elements in literature.

English Literature

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Criminology

•

2,416

•

18 Jan 2026

•

1 page

Helen's and Sarah's Law Campaigns: Methods, Success, and Media Role

Demetra

@demetra_21

Helen's Law and Sarah's Law were two significant campaigns in the UK aimed at protecting victims and their families. Both laws emerged from tragic circumstances and sought to address gaps in the criminal justice system.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Helen's Law

Background of Helen's Law:

Highlight: Marie McCourt, Helen's mother, attempted to communicate with Simms to learn her daughter's whereabouts, but her efforts were unsuccessful.

Purpose of the Campaign:

Example: The campaign's petition garnered significant public support, demonstrating the widespread concern about this issue in the criminal justice system.

Media Involvement and Opposition:

The Mirror newspaper played a crucial role in promoting the campaign, publishing a series of articles over three years. This media involvement significantly raised public awareness about the issue.

Highlight: The role the media played in Helen's Law campaign was instrumental in garnering public support and putting pressure on lawmakers.

Success of Helen's Law:

Highlight: The success of Helen's Law campaign was a testament to the perseverance of Marie McCourt and the power of public support.

Tragically, Ian Simms was released in 2020 and died two years later without ever revealing the location of Helen's remains.

Sarah's Law

Sarah's Law, another significant campaign in the UK, aimed to protect children from sexual predators by allowing parents access to information about registered sex offenders in their area.

Background of Sarah's Law:

Quote: Sarah's mother, Sara Payne, stated, "If I had known a sexual offender lived nearby, I would not have let my child play outside by herself."

Purpose of the Campaign:

Highlight: Sarah's parents actively supported the campaign, which sought to empower parents with information to protect their children.

Media Involvement:

The News of the World newspaper played a significant role in promoting Sarah's Law, launching their campaign in July 2000.

Highlight: The media's involvement in Sarah's Law, much like in Helen's Law, was crucial in raising public awareness and putting pressure on policymakers.

Success of Sarah's Law:

The campaign led to the introduction of the Child Sex Offender Disclosure pilot scheme in 2008. This year-long project was deemed successful by the Home Office, reportedly protecting 60 children.

Highlight: The success of Sarah's Law campaign resulted in a significant change in how information about sex offenders is shared with the public.

Comparing Helen's and Sarah's Law Campaigns:

Highlight: A comparison of Helen's and Sarah's Law campaigns reveals how grassroots efforts can lead to significant legal reforms, especially when backed by strong media support and public sentiment.