Child Sexual Exploitation Taskforce shines light on Group-Based Offending 

Today (Thursday 21 November) the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Taskforce have published a new report which sets out publicly a clear, detailed picture of police recorded group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation crimes across England and Wales in 2023. 

Based on data collected from 44 police forces, this national snapshot in time gives insight, analysis and commentary on the scale, nature and threat of group-based Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE), including crime types and where offences were committed. There is also demographic information on who the victims and suspects of these crimes are. 

The analysis shows that 26% of group-based offending takes place within the family environment and that 48% of suspects, where age is known, were between 10-17 years old. 

Assistant Chief Constable Becky Riggs, NPCC lead Child Abuse Protection and Investigation said:

“One of the biggest shifts in recent policing practice and policy is a renewed focus on the importance of data and how, with careful analysis of police recorded crimes we can gain a deeper understanding of the scale, nature and threat of group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation. 

“Today’s report reveals where our efforts in tackling these most abhorrent crimes need to be focussed. The findings will allow policing and partners to consider whether current responses reflect the very clear changes in threat. Put simply, are we in the right spaces, and are there things we should be doing differently?

“Tackling CSAE requires a whole-system approach. Police, partners and the public must work together to prevent harm, pursue offenders and protect children, enabling them to thrive as the become the adults of tomorrow”.

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips said:

“Child sexual abuse is a devastating crime which can leave victims traumatised for the rest of their lives. It is vital that we have the most up to date intelligence so that we can better protect victims and bring more perpetrators to justice.

“The Government is funding policing partners, including the Child Sexual Exploitation Taskforce, to improve our understanding of these complex crimes – and target our efforts to stop them.”

Lisa Witherden, Head of National Programmes for The Children's Society, said: 

“The Children’s Society works towards a future in which no child is sexually exploited and every child receives a safe and happy childhood; however, we cannot achieve this in isolation. 

“Sharing data and learning, as well as the views and experiences of children and those that live and work with them, is an essential element of combatting the scourge of child sexual abuse in the UK.” To read the report in full visit https://www.hydrantprogramme.co.uk/publications/hydrant-publications