You asked

I am interested in any statistics around the subject of breast ironing that are available.

For example, the number of girls that have been identified in the UK having been subjected to breast ironing abroad or in the UK; or families that may have been stopped at the airport where children may have been at risk of being taken abroad, or who are returning from abroad following having this 'procedure'.

Are there any data in relation to arrests or convictions relating to breast ironing?

We said

Thank you for your enquiry.

Unfortunately, we do not hold any data on breast ironing and therefore are unable to provide information on the number of girls who have been subject to this form of abuse.

We have been in contact with the Home Office who have confirmed that there is no specific offence in law for breast ironing. Where such an offence comes to the attention of the police it will be recorded under the appropriate assault classification according to the level of injury, within a broader category of violent crime (such as assault with injury with intent).

We have also been in contact with the Ministry of Justice who have informed us that they do not hold data relating to convictions of the practice of breast ironing.

We regret that we are unable to assist you further. If you would like any information in the future, you can email us at CrimeStatistics@ons.gov.uk and we will endeavour to help. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.