Report warns statistics could lead to falsely assuming child sex abuse decline
Experts have warned against false assumptions that child sex abuse is decreasing after statistics showed the number of children on formal protection plans in England due to this type of abuse has fallen to its lowest level in 14 years.
The Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse (CSA Centre) said such abuse was only cited as the primary reason for instigating an action plan in a minority of cases.
It has voiced concerns that not specifically naming sexual abuse – as opposed to it being considered part of overall neglect or other forms of abuse – reduces the likelihood that a child will get the appropriate targeted response to meet their specific needs.
The centre said its analysis of statistics showed a total of 2,290 children were being supported through child protection plans (CPP) for sexual abuse in the year to March 2023, which it said was 9% fewer than the previous year.
