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<p>Our laws in these areas are robust and clear. The Government takes very seriously
all matters relating to the sexual abuse of children. Those who commit sexual offences
are more likely to go to prison now than in 2010.</p><p> </p><p>The number of defendants
convicted of offences under section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 where the victim
was a child under 16, together with all offences under sections 2, 5, 6 and 7 of the
Sexual Offences Act 2003 can be viewed in the table. As the Sexual Offences Act 2003
replaced the Sexual Offences Act 1956 for these offences all proceedings reflect that
Act too, as per the footnote.</p><p> </p><p>Statistics in respect of victims of offences
under section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 cannot be broken down by age.</p><p>
</p><p>Also, my department's Court Proceedings Database holds information on criminal
justice statistics only in England and Wales. Criminal Justice Statistics in Northern
Ireland are a matter for the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland. Likewise,
Criminal Justice Statistics in Scotland are a matter for the Scottish Government.</p><p>
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