Reporting of non-recent sex abuse on the increase

The number of people reporting non-recent incidents of sexual abuse in Sussex has risen.

Deputy Chief Constable Julia Chapman said there had been a 52 per cent increase in such reports since October.

At a performance and accountability meeting last week, she reported that between October and December 2020, 182 nonrecent incidents – which used to be known as historic cases – were reported while the figure was 276 incidents between January and March.

She spoke about Operation Hydrant and the recent work with both the Department for Education and the NSPCC to set up a helpline for victims of sexual abuse both past and present. All reports given via the helpline will be investigated via Operation Hydrant – though those in which people’s safety is at immediate risk are forwarded to police. Call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or visit www.nspcc.org.uk