Hampshire Constabulary has recorded a 53% rise in child sexual offences in the 5 years since 2014/15, new figures from the NSPCC reveal.
The force recorded 2,661 offences against children in 2019/20 – an average of 51 a week – compared to 1,734 in 2014/15.
Nationally there were 73,518 recorded offences including rape, online grooming and sexual assault against children in the UK in 2019/20 – up 57% from 2014/15.
Where gender and age were recorded, girls were 4x as likely to be victims. There were more than 8,000 offences committed against 14-year-olds, making it the most common age group to report offences.
There were 12,374 sex crimes recorded against children under 10, while 449 offences were recorded against babies yet to reach their first birthday.
A total of 44 out of 45 police forces across the UK provided the NSPCC with the latest data on sexual offences against under 18s after a Freedom of Information request.
The charity said the figures on child sexual abuse show the need for national leadership in response and urged the Home Office to publish and implement its Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy.
The NSPCC is calling for the needs of children and young people to be at the centre of how authorities respond to child sexual abuse, with a focus on effective prevention and victims having access to timely and specialist support.
NSPCC Chief Executive Peter Wanless said:
“The crisis of child sexual abuse is not going away and behind these figures are thousands of children and young people who have reported crimes that can have a devastating impact on their lives.
“Urgent action is needed to prevent abuse and to ensure children are supported to recover when they bravely speak out.
“We need concerted leadership from governments across the UK to implement strategies on tackling child sexual abuse that put the experiences and needs of children at their heart and are effective in preventing abuse and helping young people recover.”
The call comes as an NSPCC report found contacts from young people to Childline about sexual abuse in the family tripled during lockdown. The report published today, ‘The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on child welfare: sexual abuse’, shows there were an average of 23 contacts to Childline per week about child sexual abuse in the home, up threefold since 23rd March when lockdown was announced.
Anyone concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline for advice on 0808 800 5000. Adult victims of non-recent sexual abuse can also get in touch for support.
Childline is available for young people on 0800 1111 or at www.childline.org.uk.
I have no words ,well one’s that can be printed on this site !
Got to the bit about babies, nearly vomited!
Many of these cases, IF the truth were to be told, would NOT be real British people doing such. It is NOT coincidence that these numbers rise alongside newcomers, just everyone is ‘afraid’ to say it.
Maybe all the sex offenders reside in the prison here then they are let out on good behaviour and are given somewhere to live on the island just a thought !!!
What the hell are you rambling on about NOT real British people . The Horse’ face has turned into the horse’s ass. You seriously need help with your rants. Apart from that these child sex offenders need to be castrated and jailed for life.