New police data on child sexual abuse and exploitation published today shows child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) offences recorded by police in England and Wales have risen sharply over the last 12 months. The data reveals a 6% increase in CSAE crimes in 2024, alongside a surge in online exploitation, which now accounts for 42% of all offences.
Lynn Perry, Barnardo’s chief executive said: “These figures, which highlight the scale of child abuse in England and Wales, are harrowing and demand urgent attention. At Barnardo’s, we've supported victims and survivors for many decades and see the devastating lifelong consequences that abuse – in all its forms – can have on children. Sadly, we also know that too often child abuse is never reported, so the true figure will be much higher.
“Keeping children safe must be an urgent priority for the government. It is absolutely vital that teachers, social workers and other professionals are properly equipped and trained to spot the signs of abuse and that support services are available to help children experiencing life-changing consequences of abuse and to keep them safe from further harm.”