Police recorded a case of child abuse every 20 minutes in 2010
15:14 - 29/06/2011
Police recorded a case of child abuse...
New research released by the NSPCC reveals that police in England and Wales recorded over 23,000 child sex offences during 2009-10 – this equates to one case every 20 minutes.
Figures show that last year saw the number of reported cases of incidents such as rape, incest and gross indecency rise by 8% on the previous year.
The research was compiled using data obtained, via the Freedom of Information Act, from all 43 police forces in England and Wales. The NSPCC uses this data to determine which children are most at risk, and from whom, with the hope it can direct the Government and local authorities towards better ways to protect children. This is now the third year that the charity has compiled such a report.
The findings show that in over half of the cases the victims were aged between 12 and 15, while 25% of reports concerned children under the age of 11 and over 1,000 related to children of pre-school age. Over 20,000 of the recorded victims were female. Perhaps most surprising, is the fact that nearly a quarter of suspects in these cases were aged 18 or under.
Jon Brown, NSPCC child sex abuse lead, said: “The rise in recorded sex offences against children is a real concern and we need to find ways to help victims and change the behaviour of young offenders.
“[...] This year the NSPCC is launching two UK-wide programmes to help prevent young people from sexually harming others. A third programme will test different therapies for helping children recover from sex abuse.
“We urge everyone to be vigilant and report any concerns they have about a child.”
First Response Training can provide Child Protection training for those working closely with children and young people. Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “This course provides staff with an introduction to the important topic of child protection. It teaches delegates about their responsibilities for safeguarding children and how to work safely as a team with the protection of children in mind.
“It covers the relevant policies and procedures, where abuse may occur and the signs and symptoms of abuse, as well as discussing the different types of abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual. The course focuses on taking action and the correct channels to follow if you suspect that abuse is taking place. It is an essential course for anyone working in the childcare sector.”
For more information, please call First Response today on 0800 310 2300.
Figures show that last year saw the number of reported cases of incidents such as rape, incest and gross indecency rise by 8% on the previous year.
The research was compiled using data obtained, via the Freedom of Information Act, from all 43 police forces in England and Wales. The NSPCC uses this data to determine which children are most at risk, and from whom, with the hope it can direct the Government and local authorities towards better ways to protect children. This is now the third year that the charity has compiled such a report.
The findings show that in over half of the cases the victims were aged between 12 and 15, while 25% of reports concerned children under the age of 11 and over 1,000 related to children of pre-school age. Over 20,000 of the recorded victims were female. Perhaps most surprising, is the fact that nearly a quarter of suspects in these cases were aged 18 or under.
Jon Brown, NSPCC child sex abuse lead, said: “The rise in recorded sex offences against children is a real concern and we need to find ways to help victims and change the behaviour of young offenders.
“[...] This year the NSPCC is launching two UK-wide programmes to help prevent young people from sexually harming others. A third programme will test different therapies for helping children recover from sex abuse.
“We urge everyone to be vigilant and report any concerns they have about a child.”
First Response Training can provide Child Protection training for those working closely with children and young people. Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “This course provides staff with an introduction to the important topic of child protection. It teaches delegates about their responsibilities for safeguarding children and how to work safely as a team with the protection of children in mind.
“It covers the relevant policies and procedures, where abuse may occur and the signs and symptoms of abuse, as well as discussing the different types of abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual. The course focuses on taking action and the correct channels to follow if you suspect that abuse is taking place. It is an essential course for anyone working in the childcare sector.”
For more information, please call First Response today on 0800 310 2300.
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