Ohio Criminalizes Child Grooming for Sexual Abuse: A Landmark Step in Child Protection
Source: https://local12.com/
Grooming children for sexual abuse is now illegal in Ohio, marking a significant milestone in child protection laws. The Ohio Senate’s approval of House Bill 322 has introduced legislation criminalizing grooming, making Ohio the sixth state in the nation to address this issue directly.
This legislative action follows the case of Father Geoff Drew, a former priest in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, whose decades-long grooming of children went unpunished due to the lack of specific laws in Ohio. Drew’s crimes came to light when a victim accused him of rape, leading to his conviction on nine counts of rape for an assault that occurred before he became a priest. Had laws like House Bill 322 been in place earlier, authorities might have acted against Drew’s grooming behaviors, potentially preventing further harm.
What the Law Entails
Under the new legislation:
- Grooming is classified as a misdemeanor.
- Repeat offenses or cases involving children under 13 can lead to felony charges.
This new law not only punishes offenders but also sets a precedent for other states to follow in closing legal gaps that leave children vulnerable.
The bill now awaits Governor Mike DeWine’s signature to become law. Its passage highlights the power of advocacy and underscores the need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect children.
Read more about this here: https://ohio.childreninfobank.com/safebank/child-grooming-for-sexual-abuse-is-now-illegal-in-ohio/
Source of image: http://www.nspcc.org.uk
