Nearly half of perpetrators of group child sexual abuse are children, according to a report by Wales Online. The report indicates that 48% of the 4,768 perpetrators recorded in police figures in 2023 were aged between 10 and 17. In addition, another 430 abusers were under the age of 10, despite the age of criminal responsibility in the UK being 10.
Assistant Chief Constable Becky Riggs, who is the UK lead for child protection, highlighted the concerning trend of “volatile” and “aggressive” behaviour among young perpetrators. She emphasised the impact of online exposure to explicit content on children’s behaviour, stating that the nature of offending in this age group is more severe than mere exploration of sexuality.
The report revealed that children can easily access inappropriate online material by falsifying their age, posing a significant challenge for prevention efforts. Police expressed the need for enhanced measures to prevent minors from accessing harmful content and engaging in criminal behaviour as a result.
Richard Fewkes, director of the National Police Chiefs’ Council child sexual exploitation taskforce, noted that online exposure has normalised harmful behaviours for some children. Data collected from 44 police forces in England and Wales indicated a total of 4,228 crimes related to group sexual exploitation of children, with rape of a child being the most commonly recorded offence.
The statistics further revealed that around three-quarters of victims were female, while approximately three-quarters of perpetrators were male. The report underscored the necessity for targeted interventions to address and prevent child sexual abuse, particularly within the context of group exploitation.
The alarming findings of the report shed light on the complex challenges faced by law enforcement and child protection agencies in tackling child sexual abuse. The prevalence of young perpetrators underscores the importance of early intervention and education to prevent such crimes and safeguard vulnerable children in society.
Efforts to strengthen prevention measures, increase awareness, and provide support for victims and perpetrators alike are crucial in addressing the multifaceted issue of child sexual exploitation. Collaborative initiatives between authorities, schools, families, and communities are essential to create a safer environment for children and prevent future instances of abuse.
The troubling revelations from the report serve as a wake-up call for society to prioritise the protection of children and address the root causes of sexual exploitation. By working together to confront this issue head-on, communities can strive towards a future where every child is safe, secure, and free from harm.