The ONS’s Crime Survey For England and Wales has for the first time included in depth data relating to child sexual abuse.

The Survey, which was published last month, tells us:

• 11% of women and 3% of men said they were sexually assaulted during their childhood
• 567,000 females aged between 16 and 59, suffered sexual assault by rape or penetration, as minors
• 102,000 males aged between 16 and 59, suffered sexual assault by rape or penetration, as minors
• Women were significantly more likely to report they had been an abuse victim than men
• Individuals blamed for psychological or physical abuse were most likely to be the person’s parents
• Rape and penetration attack survivors said the most likely attacker was a friend or acquaintance (30%) or other family member (26%)
• 3 out of 4 victims of  sexual assault said they did not report what happened at the time. The most common reason given was “embarrassment or humiliation, or thinking that they would not be believed.”
• 42% of assaults were carried out by strangers

Politicians and child welfare charities are calling on the government to look into more ways to tackle ongoing child sexual abuse.

The “10-15 Year olds Survey” is also interesting, and very worth while, as it highlights the little known fact that 10-15 year olds are more likely to be a victim of violent crime than adults are. The survey is designed to look at crime, bullying, thoughts on the police, and steps taken to keep belongings safe and its findings will be used to prevent crimes against children.