25,000 Children Sexually Abused Each Year in Wales, New Data Shows
A new report has revealed that around 25,000 children in Wales are sexually abused each year, with online abuse increasing at an alarming rate.
In response, the Welsh Government has launched a 10-year national strategy, the first of its kind in the UK, aimed at preventing and responding to child sexual abuse. The strategy includes engaging with affected individuals, professionals, and communities to build a long-term plan grounded in lived experience and expert input.
The proposals focus on encouraging affected adults to share their stories, improving awareness among professionals about the long-term impacts of abuse, and increasing support services, especially for young people in rural areas.
The government emphasized that despite the scale of abuse, only a small number of cases are ever reported, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change and community involvement in tackling this issue.
This situation is a clear violation of a child’s basic right that no adult should engage in sexual activity with a child. The Welsh Government’s strategy is a critical step toward protecting that right and ensuring children are safe, supported, and heard. With the consultation open until September, voices from all sectors of society are being called upon to help shape this vital work.
