September 08, 2025 | Incident and Crime Statistics , Sexual Offences
Request Number: FOI/15431
Category: Incident and Crime Statistics – Sexual Offences
Subject: Sexual Communication with a Child Offence
Request and Answer:
Your request for information has now been considered. In respect of Section 1(1)(a) of the Act we can confirm that the Police Service of Northern Ireland does hold information to which your request relates. The decision has been taken to disclose the following.
Refined Request from FOI/15151
Request 1
Please tell me the number of recorded offences under s.15A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, sexual communication with a child, (Home Office recording code 71/17) recorded from (and including) April 1st 2024 until (and including) March 31st, 2025.
Request 2
Where possible I would like to know the age and gender of the victim, broken down into age groups
11 and under, 12-15, 16 and over.
Answer 1 & 2
Please see table below:-
| Recorded Sexual Communication with a child offences in Northern Ireland (2024/25) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | |||||
| Age | Female | Male | Not recorded | Not applicable | Total |
| Under 12 | 28 | 17 | 0 | - | 45 |
| 12 to 15 | 82 | 21 | 0 | - | 303 |
| Not recorded | 3 | 1 | 1 | - | 5 |
| Not applicable | - | - | - | 39 | 39 |
| Total | 113 | 39 | 1 | 39 | 192 |
Request 3
Please tell me the age and gender of the youngest victim if possible.
Answer
In 2024/25, the youngest victims were eight years old, both female and male victims.