Exploitation of children soaring, says Childline
A SCHOOLGIRL told how she was ‘raped by her father and boyfriend’ in a heartbreaking phone call to Childline.
The victim was among thousands of child exploitation crimes which have rocketed over the last year.
New analysis by the NSPCC of police recorded crime data revealed 1,471 crimes were recorded by police in the West Midlands, West Mercia, Staffordshire and Warwickshire during 2021/22. That was an average of four every day.
Across England and Wales, there were 17,486 crimes logged by police where children had been sexually exploited – an average of 48 offences a day.
This is an increase of 10 per cent on the previous year. It includes one victim, who is of secondary school age, who bravely told Childline of her horrific situation at home.
“I was abused by my dad when I was younger,” she said.
“My boyfriend has started to sexually abuse me and has introduced his friends to do the same. I’ve been raped by my boyfriend. He has been giving me drink and drugs. I want to break up with him, but I’m scared about what he will do. I feel like it’s my fault for letting this happen. I’ve considered going to the police, but my boyfriend has said he will show people sexual videos of me.”
The charity revealed the latest data as its Childline service launched The Full Story campaign.
“This is in a bid to encourage more children and teenagers at risk of – or suffering sexual exploitation – to use Childline for immediate and confidential help.
The campaign has created a series of short films showing five different scenarios of sexual exploitation, taken from real Childline calls, including the girl who was abused by her dad and partner.
Darren Worth, Service Head of Childline said: “Sexual exploitation is a complex crime and often when children describe what is happening in their relationship, they don’t realise they are being groomed and abused.
“This is why this campaign is so important as it’s essential that all children and young people have an awareness of this issue and know that no matter what the circumstances are, that sexual exploitation is never a child’s fault and there are people like Childline who can help.”
NSPCC’s CEO Sir Peter Wanless added: “Child sexual exploitation casts a dark shadow across our society, inflicting fear and pain on a rising number of children and young people. Greater public and professional awareness is vital.”
Childline offers confidential, non-judgemental support to children and young people. Young people can talk to the counsellors online from an account on the website at www.childline.org.uk. Or call 0800 1111 with no phone credit required.