Suspected cases of sex abuse are up by 45pc says children’s charity
THE number of suspected sexual abuse cases relating to children reported in Greater Manchester went up by 45 per cent last year.
The children’s charity NSPCC saw 115 referrals in 2016/17, compared to 79 the year before.
Across the north west, 680 referrals were made to the authorities in 2016/17 – an average of 13 a week up from 440 the previous year.
And across the country, the NSPCC referred an average of 90 contacts a week to police and children’s services - people concerned a child was being sexually abused.
Some of the calls were harrowing. One caller who phoned the NSPCC helpline said: “I am concerned a young girl in the neighbourhood might be at risk of sexual abuse by men who visit the house on weekends.
“There is lots of drinking that goes on and mum doesn’t seem to be too concerned about leaving her alone with them.
“Mum can be often heard shouting and swearing at the girl and I don’t think she is fit to care for her.”
In 2016/17, the NSPCC helpline referred 4,677 calls and emails to agencies. The charity estimates that one in 20 children in the UK have experienced sexual abuse.
Bosses are calling for a new government-commissioned study on child abuse and neglect.
“It is deeply worrying that so many children are potentially being exposed to such a devastating experience, but at the same time it also suggests that as a society we are much more alert to the risks and much more willing to come forward and share our concerns,” said NSPCC head of helplines John Cameron.
“Sexual abuse can do huge damage to a child’s life and left untreated will often haunt them long into adulthood.
“It is, therefore, vital that anyone who suspects a young person is in danger contacts the authorities or gets in touch with us through our dedicated Helpline.”
To support the NSPCC’s Christmas campaign, text ‘NSPCC 4’ to 70744 to donate £4, or visit www.nspcc.org.uk.
‘Sexual abuse can do huge damage to a child’s life’