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Dramatic increase in reported child sex abuse

The number of reported child sex offences in the UK hit a record high last year, according to research by the NSPCC.

The charity said 41,457 cases of child sexual abuse – including rape, grooming and sexual assault – were reported to police across the UK in 2014/15, an increase of 32.7 per cent on the previous year's figure of 31,238.

The data, obtained following Freedom of Information requests to all police forces, found that there were nearly four times as many abuses cases against girls than boys.

A total of 10,757 sexual offences involved children under 10. The NSPCC said the figures may understate the true scale of abuse, as many cases go unreported.

The charity said the rise may be down to a number of reasons – such as increases in online grooming, increased vigilance among police forces, or increased awareness among the public as a result of high-profile cases.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said that the rise is “deeply worrying,” and shows how widespread sex crimes against children have become.

"Sexual abuse can shatter a child's mental health. It can leave them anxious, depressed and even suicidal,” he said.

“That is why it is crucial every single child who has endured abuse and needs support must get timely, thorough help so they can learn how to handle disturbing emotions and behaviours and rebuild their lives.

"Our It's Time campaign demands that government make the mental health of abused children a priority so that some of the most vulnerable members of our society can start to recover."

Simon Bailey, lead for child protection at the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said the figures are a reminder of the “shocking scale” of child sexual abuse.

“Changes in police recording and victims’ improved confidence in how the police will deal with abuse have played a significant part in the increase in reports to us,” he said.

“The internet has opened up new opportunities for abusers to groom children, view indecent images and watch and direct live sexual abuse of children and we need to understand the impact of this."

Bailey said police have improved their response to sexual abuse, but by the time incidents are reported, "the damage is done".

"Colleagues working in social care, education and health need work together to stop abuse before it happens," he added.

“Police work will continue but we ask everyone to help us by being alert to signs of abuse and sharing any concerns, however small they may seem.”


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