TRUSTPOLITICS

Do not describe sexual abuse of children as "grooming" by "grooming gangs"

241
signatures
closedHome OfficeOpened 25 March 2025Closed 25 September 2025

Background

I want the Government and Parliament to stop using the words "grooming" and "grooming gangs". I feel they are euphemisms being used in official publications to describe horrible, violent sexual abuse of children including rape, torture, kidnapping and imprisonment.

Additional details

I think that the use of euphemisms to describe criminal offences does considerable harm. A 12-year-old child who has been raped may not think she has been "groomed".

Where it’s popular

Constituencies with the most signatures on this petition.

Chingford and Woodford GreenSir Iain Duncan Smith
3
Derby SouthBaggy Shanker
3
Morecambe and LunesdaleLizzi Collinge
2
Hampstead and HighgateTulip Siddiq
2
Leeds South West and MorleyMark Sewards
2
Mid NorfolkGeorge Freeman
2
Colne ValleyPaul Davies
2
ChelmsfordMarie Goldman
2
Dunstable and Leighton BuzzardAlex Mayer
2
Eltham and ChislehurstClive Efford
2
Kingston upon Hull West and HaltempriceEmma Hardy
2
KnowsleyAnneliese Midgley
2
LincolnMr Hamish Falconer
2
Liverpool GarstonMaria Eagle
2
BassetlawJo White
2
CheltenhamMax Wilkinson
2
Blackpool SouthChris Webb
2
Kingston upon Hull North and CottinghamDame Diana Johnson
2
Bolton North EastKirith Entwistle
2
North East HampshireAlex Brewer
2

Source: UK Government & Parliament Petitions service. Petition ID: 713571.