The legal framework
Section 72 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 gives the courts jurisdiction over sexual offences against children committed abroad by a United Kingdom national or a UK resident, and for most offences it dispenses with the requirement that the act also be criminal locally. Sexual harm prevention orders can bar a person from travelling, and the sex offenders register requires notification of foreign travel.
Key points
| Basis | Sexual Offences Act 2003, section 72 |
|---|---|
| Who is covered | UK nationals and UK residents |
| Dual criminality | Not required for most child sexual offences |
| Travel bans | Sexual harm prevention orders can prohibit foreign travel |
| Register | Notification of foreign travel required for registered offenders |
| Reporting | Police, the national crime agency, or the charity hotline |
| Time limits | No limitation period for indictable sexual offences |
In practice
- Report to the police on return — there is no time limit for these offences.
- A traveller who witnesses something can report it without knowing the person's identity.
- Travel bans exist and are used: a conviction can end a person's ability to leave the country.
- Local tolerance is irrelevant: section 72 removes dual criminality precisely for that reason.
Cost and coverage
Reporting is free everywhere listed here.
Where to go
- Police, by calling 101, or 999 if a child is in immediate danger.
- National Crime Agency — CEOP reporting.
- Crimestoppers, anonymous reporting.
- British embassy or consulate in the country concerned.
Worth knowing
The removal of dual criminality is the whole point of these provisions: an act tolerated where it happened can still be prosecuted at home. There is no jurisdiction that operates as a refuge.
Official sources and links
- CEOP — National Crime Agency — report child sexual abuse, including overseas
- legislation.gov.uk — Sexual Offences Act 2003 — section 72, offences outside the United Kingdom
- Crimestoppers — 0800 555 111 — anonymous reporting
- GOV.UK — official portal for public services and rights
- legislation.gov.uk — the statute book as enacted and revised