The NSPCC has launched a new campaign with the Home Office to tackle child sexual abuse after new data revealed that police recorded almost 87,000 sexual offences against children last year.
The national children’s charity said that new research showed that child sexual abuse crimes had reached near-record levels during 2022-23, and they want to encourage adults who are concerned that a child could be at risk to contact their dedicated helpline.
Levels of child sexual abuse crimes are a “warning”
Police across the UK recorded a total of 86,962 child sexual offences between 1st April 2022 and 31st March 2023, including rape, sexual assault, grooming and sexual exploitation.
The greatest proportion of crimes, where the age of the child was known, were committed against 11-15 year olds.
The NSPCC reviewed this data after submitting a Freedom of Information Request (FOIR) to all police forces in the UK. They carry out this research every year, and say the total for 2022-23 is one of the highest recorded since they began this process 16 years ago, serving as “a warning to us all[…].”
The figures have prompted the NSPCC to launch the Better Safe campaign in partnership with the Home Office.
The campaign encourages adults to contact the NSPCC Helpline when they are worried about a child’s safety or welfare, even when they are uncertain. It also urges people to report instances where they are concerned that a child may be experiencing sexual abuse. There are two films to promote the new campaign, which each demonstrate how adults can use the Helpline to share concerns about a child.
The Home Office is providing funding to enable the NSPCC to increase the capacity of its Helpline and raise awareness of the service.
Adults urged to report suspected child sexual abuse
The NSPCC Helpline (0808 800 5000) is a free advice line for professionals or members of the public who have any concerns about a child.
Calls are answered by dedicated child protection specialists who can provide advice on a wide range of issues affecting children, including when child sexual abuse is suspected. Adults can also report abuse online or e-mail help@NSPCC.org.uk.
The charity also operates a dedicated Whistleblowing advice line, for anyone with concerns about child protection within the workplace or other professional organisations.
Children who are struggling with any issues, including sexual abuse or exploitation, can also contact Childline (0800 1111), for free, confidential advice, support and counselling.
Child sexual abuse remains under-reported
The Better Safe campaign follows the report released by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) in October 2022.
The IICSA spent 7 years gathering evidence and testimonies from thousands of people who had experienced sexual abuse as a child to develop a detailed set of recommendations to tackle child sexual abuse.
The report revealed that child sexual abuse and exploitation have been, and remain, under-reported.
In the wake of the IICSA report’s publication, the NSPCC Helpline was contacted the equivalent of once every hour by adults with concerns about children who may be experiencing sexual abuse.
The NSPCC’s Helpline Director, Kam Thandi, explains:
“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.”
Training to safeguard children
First Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care, safeguarding and more.
They work with a large number of early years, schools and childcare providers, as well as colleges, youth groups and children’s services. Their courses include Safeguarding Children.
A trainer from FRT says:
“Abuse can devastate lives and vulnerable young children need prompt help and support. It’s vital that anyone who works with children and young people is aware of their responsibility for safeguarding children and that they can recognise the signs that indicate a child may be experiencing abuse, and know the correct action to take in response.”
For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.