The ONS is assessing the feasibility of a survey measuring the current prevalence of child abuse in the UK. We published an article in January 2021 outlining our findings to date.
We are currently in phase one of the project, which aims to establish whether there is enough evidence to support carrying out a pilot survey (phase two).
As part of this, we consulted with users to understand:
We received 91 responses to the consultation. Nearly half (44%) worked with or represented children or young people and 11% were decision or policy makers in national or local government.
Overall, there was strong support to take this work forward. Responses demonstrated the importance of survey data for designing strategies to prevent and respond to child abuse, developing and providing relevant services, and raising awareness of abuse.
You told us it’s important that;
We will undertake qualitative research with:
We will also:
The below document captures the full breadth of responses we received in relation to this consultation, as well as our suggested actions resulting from them.
Please note: The closing date for this consultation has been extended to 30/04/2021
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is looking for feedback to inform a feasibility study exploring whether a new survey to measure the current prevalence of child abuse in the UK could be successful.
Child abuse is an appalling crime and can have a lasting effect, with research suggesting that outcomes can be experienced in the short-term and the long-term following abuse.
As there is no single source reporting the current scale of child abuse in the UK, we do not know how many children are experiencing abuse today. It is vital that statistics are improved to help measure the current prevalence of child abuse.
In September 2015, the National Statistician’s Crime Statistics Advisory Committee recommended that Government should commission a new UK-wide prevalence study of all forms of abuse and neglect of children to establish a reliable time series of data.
The information gathered in such a survey could be used by policy makers, service providers and practitioners to hopefully, over time, help reduce the prevalence of child abuse and improve victims' experiences of services.
The ONS is currently in the process of assessing the feasibility of a survey measuring the prevalence of child abuse in the UK and have recently released an article outlining our findings to date.
We have identified some key areas that need further investigation before a conclusion can be made on whether a such survey could be successful and we can progress to the next phase (which would involve running a pilot survey).
In order to help us make this decision, it’s crucial we fully understand your needs for a survey, and invite views on our proposals. We would also welcome feedback on proposed plans for the next phase of our feasibility study.
We welcome feedback from anyone with an interest in child protection and child protection policy.
In particular, we would like feedback from:
What we are asking
We will be asking questions based on:
All feedback is invited and appreciated; we value all perspectives.
How to respond
We encourage you to respond online wherever possible. However, responses by email will be also be accepted.
There is more information in the consultation document at the bottom of this page, which you may wish to read before completing your response. The document also includes a list of the consultation questions, should you wish to download and provide your comments by email.
If you are responding by email, please send your response to: ONS.Consultations@ons.gov.uk
Accessibility
All material relating to this consultation can be provided in braille, large print or audio formats on request. British Sign Language interpreters can also be requested for any supporting events.
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