13% rise in child sexual abuse cases

MORE than six child sex offences are reported on average to police every day across Wales, according to the NSPCC.

Figures obtained by NSPCC Cymru, show a total of 2,328 cases of sexual offences against children were recorded across the four Welsh police forces in 2015-16.

This is a 13 per cent rise on 2014-15 when 2,069 cases were recorded.

In South Wales 637 child sex offences were reported in 2014-15 and 754 cases were reported in 2015-16.

A total of 150 of the reported cases in South Wales concerned children aged 10 and under, while 28 concerned children aged four and under.

A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “It is vitally important for us that victims have the confidence to report any incident of abuse to the police and the figures reflect the fact that there has been an increase in reporting.

“People need to know that they will always be listened to and supported.

“Our ability to react to incidents of abuse against children is of the highest priority for South Wales Police and we are actively pursuing every opportunity to identify children at risk, focussing our efforts in making sure victims get all the support they need.”

Across the other Welsh police forces, Dyfed-Powys Police saw the most significant increase in reports of child sex offences – rising from 328 cases in 2014-15 to 679 cases in 2015-16.

North Wales Police had 398 cases reported in 2014-15 and 584 cases reported in 2015-16, while Gwent police saw a decrease with 706 cases reported in 2014-15 and 311 cases reported in 2015-16.

Des Mannion, head of NSPCC Cymru, said: “Sexual abuse can shatter a child’s life and without help have lifelong impacts.

“Victims need help to speak out and support to help them recover from their ordeals and go on to lead full and happy lives.

“NSPCC is calling on the Welsh Government to lead on the development of a comprehensive child sexual abuse action plan.

“This action plan could ensure that parents and professionals know what to do to prevent child sexual abuse as well as ensuring children receive the help they need to recover.

“Given the increasing prevalence of online offending we need to ensure children and young people are protected online. It is therefore crucial that a comprehensive online safety action plan is also developed, supported by a digital advisory group.”