Useful Statistics
Posted by News Editor
Tuesday, July 19, 2005

This item first appeared on the F.A.C.T. website on 14th February 2005

We are often asked where one can find reliable statistics about the number of false allegations made against carers or teachers?

It is very difficult to get hold of reliable statistics regarding the numbers of allegations made against teachers and/or the number who were subject to disciplinary action or dismissal because relevant agencies do not keep such statistics.

To compound matters there are also serious problems of definition regarding the word abuse and allegation. Abuse can mean some thing quite minor such as rudeness or something very serious e.g. a criminal assault such as physical abuse or sexual abuse. Allegation can mean anything from a comment, a criticism or a complaint, and may range from some thing which is true, partly true and partly untrue, or entirely false. Allegations can be misconstrued, unreliable, false, or indeed malicious.

You will find some statistics on our web site
Other sources I can recommend can be found on the NASUWT website here and here, here and here

Also take a look at a the Home Affairs Select Committee Report into Past Cases of Abuse in children's Homes which has some statistics in it

Another UK Government site to look which has some relevant statistical information at is the DfES website