2021/24379 - Sibling Sexual Abuse

REQUEST

Under the Freedom of Information Action 2000, I would like to make an FOI Request on Sibling Sexual Abuse which is being undertaken by RCEW (Rape Crisis England and Wales).   

I have attached the questions requesting the data which aim to compare the overall reported incidents of intrafamilial sexual abuse of a child under 18, and the breakdown of incidents carried out by siblings. 

Avon & Somerset Constabulary has kindly supported us in putting together this request and has provided us with the relevant information from the Constabulary (I have attached this data in case it is of use to you in your search). 

Information about the Project:  The Project has, so far: 

• set up a panel of experts in the field 
• set up a lived-experience panel to ensure their voice is at the heart of the project 
• engaged University of Birmingham to carry out research with children abused by a sibling, their families and the professionals who work with them 
• engaged University of the West of England to carry out research with adults abused as a child by a sibling and the professionals who work with them 
• carried out a survey of over 700 professionals 
• planned a high-profile conference to share findings in February 2022 
  
  From this work the Project will develop training materials so that all professionals have: 

• a better understanding of this under-researched and uniquely complex form of child abuse 
• practical, best-practice steps to take to ensure children and young people receive the best possible support from services  

Your data will provide an invaluable insight into the number of incidents reported to the Police and establishing an important base line for reporting and recording in the future.  

1. How many incidents of intrafamilial sexual offences where the victim was under 18 have been recorded?

Including a breakdown of: 

1. The age of both the victim and offender
2. The type of sexual offence (i.e. rape and other sexual offences)
3. The familial relationship between the victim and offender
4. The gender of both the victim and offender

2. How many of these incidents recorded the offender as a parent (where the victim was under 18)

Including a breakdown of:

1. The age of both the victim and offender
2. The type of sexual offence (i.e. rape and other sexual offences)
3. The familial relationship between the victim and offender (mother/father)
4. The gender of both the victim and offender

3. How many of these incidents recorded the offender as a sibling (where both the victim and offender were under 18)?

Including a breakdown of:

1. The age of both the victim and offender
2. The type of sexual offence (i.e. rape and other sexual offences)
3. The familial relationship between the victim and offender (sister/brother)
4. The gender of both the victim and offender

RESPONSE