Reports of sex abuse by aid workers on the rise

Cases of children being sexually abused by aid workers are among a batch of 80 incidents reported to a watchdog in the past three weeks.

Charities have told the Charity Commission about a wave of current and historical “serious” cases of people being harmed or put at risk of harm since February 12.

The reports, which span 26 organisations, include allegations or incidents of sexual abuse of staff, volunteers and beneficiaries, including children. Seven of the organisations came forward with cases that have been reported since April 2017. Some reports of historical allegations were made after the sector came under the spotlight after the Oxfam sex scandal. The commission said the number of serious incidents reported had doubled in recent weeks.