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<p>The Government recognises the importance of gathering crime data to inform policy
and operational decisions. All police forces routinely collect and publish data on
offences. However, published data relates to recorded offences rather than the characteristics
of the victims who have experienced them. This is so that the published data reflects
all recorded offences, including those where there is no specific, intended, or identifiable
victim, or where there are multiple offences against one victim.</p><p>The Government
remains determined to build on our understanding of the nature of child sexual abuse,
including the ethnicity and background of victims. To inform our understanding of
the number of victims and their ages, we use data gathered through the Crime Survey
for England and Wales (ONS). We also draw on the research and insight produced by
the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, which we established in 2017, and why
we draw on the insight of other experts including the Independent Inquiry on Child
Sexual Abuse, which has produced research on ethnic minority victims of CSEA.</p><p>We
also work closely with local areas to improve their response to exploitation, enabling
them to spot trends in abuse and protect local communities. In addition, we have increased
investment in support services, including specific projects to support victims from
BAME backgrounds.</p>
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