What evidence exists about the scale of child sexual abuse in England and Wales? : evidence briefing for the National Policing Lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigation

This scoping review was undertaken on child sexual abuse to inform the development of an overarching National Policing Action Plan on child protection. The context, aims, methodology, policy context and background can be found in an associated document. The purpose of this briefing, and other similar briefings, is to provide the National Policing Lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigation with evidence for consideration in the development of a national strategy. This particular briefing focusses on what is known about the scale of child sexual abuse (CSA) in England and Wales based on the range of information available. Literature pertaining to the context of child sexual exploitation (CSE) (which is recognised as a particular form of CSA) will be written up separately in order to address the characteristic patterns and dynamics that make it a unique form of CSA.