The government has commissioned an independent review of the Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Act 2021.
The review will assess the effectiveness of the modernised legal framework since its implementation in March 2024.
Leading the work is Kate Blackwell KC, an expert in complex legal reviews with extensive experience in sexual offences cases, will examine the Act’s operation across the entire justice system, including its impact on victims, law enforcement, and the courts.
The 2021 Act replaced the 1992 legislation, introducing comprehensive reforms to address contemporary issues such as image-based abuse, online grooming, and voyeurism, while strengthening child protection and sentencing.
The review will specifically scrutinise victim experiences, sentencing outcomes, and the handling of child sexual offences.
Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Jane Poole-Wilson said: “The Act was designed to bring more perpetrators to justice and to give reassurance to victims.
“It is important to have an independent assessment of the way the Act is working to ensure it is meeting its objectives.”
The review will involve data analysis, engagement and a comparative study with other jurisdictions. A public summary of the final report is expected by August 2026.