NEW FIGURES show that child sexual offences remain close to record levels in the UK during 2022/2023, despite a drop in the Thames Valley.
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) has released a report examining the levels of child sexual offences recorded by police as it launches a new campaign to keep children.
They compiled figures from Freedom of Information data which detail the number of offences recorded, including rape, sexual assault, grooming, and sexual exploitation.
Data shows that 86,962 child sexual offences were recorded by police across the UK in 2022/2023, one of the highest yearly totals recorded since the annual research began 16 years ago.
Of those, 3,004 were recorded in the Thames Valley, which represents a reduction of22% in the region compared to the previous year.
The reduction is larger than the national level, which saw a marginal decrease of less than 1%.
The highest number of crimes where the age of the victim was known were perpetrated against those aged between 11-15.
It comes as the NSPCC launches a new campaign to tackle child sexual abuse in partnership with the Home Office.
It is encouraging members of the public to contact their helpline if they are concerned for the safety of a child who could be at risk, especially in the case of sexual abuse.
The Home Office is also providing funding to increase capacity of their helpline and raise awareness of the service.
The helpline is a free advice service for adults who have concerns about the safety of a child, staffed by child protection specialists.
Two short films have been produced to show how adults can use the NSPCC helpline to share concerns, one aimed at members of the public and one for within professional environments.
In October 2022, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse saw evidence that such abuse is under-reported after a seven-year investigation.
Kam Thandi, Helpline Director at the NSPCC, said: “The high numbers of child sexual offences being reported by police forces across the UK are a warning to us all that more must be done to tackle this abuse.
“This new Helpline campaign, in partnership with the Home Office, will encourage the general public and professionals to reach out with concerns about child sexual abuse.
“All of us must play our part in protecting children–the Helpline deals with concerns about children, no matter how big or small, and we’re encouraging adults to contact us.
“What is shared could be life-changing for a child experiencing sexual abuse.”
The minister for Victims and Safeguarding, Laura Farris MP, said: “The protection of children is a collective effort. Every adult must be supported to call out child sexual abuse without fear.
“That’s why we’re supporting the NSPCC and their helplines, to protect children and
bring offenders to justice.
“I am committed to stamping out child sexual abuse, which is why we’ve also pledged to introduce mandatory reporting and set up a task force to clamp down on grooming gangs.”
Details about how to get help are available via http://www.nspcc.org.uk
The helpline for registering concerns about the safety of a child is available by calling: 0808 800 5000.
Childline, the helpline for children, is available by calling 0800 1111 or via: Childline.org.uk
