FOI 792 / Sept 21 / Abuse linked to Faith or Belief
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NO: 792-2021
I write in connection with your request for information which was received on 28th September 2021 as follows:
For each calendar year 2018, 2019 and 2020 and for the period 1st January 2021 to 28th September 2021, please could you tell me:
1) The number of cases of abuse linked to faith or belief that have been reported
2) A brief description of each case and the outcome if known (i.e. charge/summons, caution, etc)
For clarity, abuse linked to faith or belief is defined here by the Metropolitan Police - https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/caa/child-abuse/faith-based-abuse - and here in the government's national action plan - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/175437/Action_Plan_-_Abuse_linked_to_Faith_or_Belief.pdf
Please find the Warwickshire Police response set out below.
Response: Please be advised that currently there is no specific identifier in relation to ‘Child abuse linked to faith or belief’ as referred to in the link provided. In order to determine whether this is a factor it would be necessary to examine all crimes and non-crime investigations during the stated period. This would be above the amount to which we are legally required to respond i.e. the cost of locating and retrieving the information exceeds the ‘appropriate level’ as stated in the Freedom of Information (Fees and Appropriate Limit) Regulations 2004.
In accordance with s12(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, this letter acts as a Refusal Notice for this request.
In accordance with Section 16 of the Act I have a duty to provide advice and assistance; however, due to the volume of records involved I am unable to advise of a way to revise your request into one which could be dealt with within the fees limit.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is as accurate as possible.
Your attention is drawn to the below which details your right of complaint.
Should you have any further enquiries concerning this matter, please write or email the Freedom of Information Unit quoting the reference number above.
Yours sincerely
Freedom of Information Officer
Freedom of Information Unit
Warwickshire Police
PO Box 4
Leek Wootton
Warwickshire
CV35 7QB