FOI reference: FOI-2025-2498
You asked
I would like to make a Freedom of Information request in reference to this data.
Could you please answer (1) why the data isn't recorded for certain ethnic groups (when it is for almost every other ethnicity), (2) your data-driven analysis of why this abuse is still occurring today and (3) what you intend to do about it?
We said
Thank you for your request. We will answer each of your points individually.
The ethnicity of all respondents to the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) is recorded at the time of interview. Some data for ethnic groups is suppressed due to low figures. This typically effects a small number of ethnicities. These data are collected but not included in the published data, owing to concerns around the identification of individuals.
We are unable to answer this question as we collect and publish figures on the levels and trends of crime in England and Wales. These are primarily based on two sets of crime statistics: the CSEW and police recorded crime data. Each source has different strengths and limitations but together they provide a more comprehensive picture of crime than could be obtained from either series alone. As the CSEW is a victimisation survey we do not ask questions about why people commit offences. CSEW data are utilised by a wide range of users including Government Departments, charities and academics to better understand the complex causes of crime, including violence against women and girls. The analysis requested is not held by ONS.
We are unable to answer this question as we are not responsible for policies on sexual offences. Please contact the Home Office who may be able to assist with your request.
If you have any other crime-related queries in the future, you can email crimestatistics@ons.gov.uk.