FAQs about sexual risk orders answered ABV Solicitors Over the last few years, sexual offence law in the UK has had a bit of a shake-up; this has been partly due to research on the prevention of sexual offences and how well the prevention methods work. And so, since prevention is better than cure, there has been a law passed in 2022 called the Sexual Offender Management Law, which is set to increase the placing of both sexual risk orders and sexual harm prevention orders in the UK. This article will answer questions relating to sexual risk orders with the help of a sexual offence solicitor. What are the differences between a sexual harm prevention order and a sexual risk order? According to a sexual offence solicitor, the core difference is the risk. If you have had a sexual harm prevention order placed, you are likely to have been arrested and charged with a sexual offence. However, if you have a sexual risk order placed, you will be deemed to be at risk of committing an act of sexual assault even if you have not previously committed one. Indeed, a sexual risk order or an SRO can be brought by police against you if they feel you are at a high risk of committing a sexual offence. Can I appeal a sexual risk order? Yes, you can appeal a sexual risk order, but you will need the help of a sexual offence solicitor. Even though you haven’t committed a sexual offence, these experts will know the law surrounding such an order thoroughly and assist in the withdrawal and appeal against such an order. Be aware that even with the help of a trained sexual offence solicitor, a sexual risk order may be tough to have lifted since it is based on risk and not fact. How long do sexual risk orders last? This will vary on the reason as to why it is being placed. According to a sexual offence solicitor, the minimum term for a sexual risk order is 2 years, but this can be extended and last indefinitely. During this, to meet the requirements of the order, you will likely need to attend therapy, drug counselling or other behavioural interventions until the court is satisfied that you are no longer a risk. Can they be altered once placed? In some cases, yes, a sexual risk order can be altered, but this can only be done with the help of a trained sexual offence solicitor; they would appeal your case whilst you stick to the rules of the initial order. If you have been attending therapy and the psychologists or counsellors overseeing the sessions have noticed a significant improvement, they, along with your sexual offence attorney, can apply to have the length or conditions of the order altered. When are they likely to be imposed? A sexual risk order is likely to be placed when someone has committed an act that involves a sexual element deemed harmful, such as sexual messaging with underage individuals online or speaking of such acts in public. A sexual risk order will be imposed if the police or courts believe that the public would be at risk if the individual does not seek help. Link 1-https://www.abvsolicitors.co.uk/services/sexual-offences/ Link 2- https://www.cps.gov.uk/sites/default/files/documents/publications/annex_1b_table_ of_offences_scheme_c_class_order.pdf Link 3- https://www.sentencingcouncil.org.uk/pronouncement-cards/card/sexual-risk-order/