Police record 45 child sex reports a week

Over 45 child sexual abuse crimes a week have been recorded in the Northumbria Police area, new figures reveal.

Office for National Statistics data shows that Northumbria Police recorded 2,380 child sexual abuse crimes in 2019-20.

The children's charity NSPCC says while the Government's recent Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy puts the emphasis on early intervention, it must be backed up with action and funding.

The number of child sexual abuse crimes in Northumbria increased by 13% compared to two years earlier, when 2,100 cases were recorded. Across England and Wales, 61,800 child sexual abuse crimes were recorded in 2019-20 – 12% more than in 2017-18.

Anna Edmundson, head of policy at the NSPCC, said: “Behind these figures are thousands of children and young people who have suffered sexual abuse which can have a devastating impact on their lives.

“The Government’s Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategyisanimportantfirst step in protecting and supporting children."

She added that the Government should also invest in a multi-agency model of care for child sexual abuse.

A Home Office spokesman said: “Child sexual abuse is a sickening crime that can devastate lives. The publication of the Tackling Child Sexual Abuse Strategy builds on the Government’s commitment to ensuring there are no safe spaces online or offline for offenders to abuse vulnerable children.

“It will ensure offenders of these horrific crimes are swiftly brought to justice.”