Shropshire Star

Increase in child sex abuse reports is due to 'confidence’, say police

A steep rise in historic child sex abuse reports is down to an improvement in recording crime and people’s confidence in coming forward, Dyfed-Powys Police have said.

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New figures show that reports of non-recent sexual abuse against children – where the offence is alleged to have occurred more than a year before it was reported to police – have increased in the last four years.

Dyfed-Powys Police recorded 569 cases between April 2013 and March 2017 and the number rose from 96 in 2013/14 to 152 in 2016/17.

The statistics were obtained by the NSPCC through a freedom of information request. The children’s charity believes the rise could be down to high-profile abuse cases and the football abuse scandal which began a year ago this week, and has seen its helpline receive more than 2,500 calls.

Detective Superintendent Anthony Griffiths, of Dyfed-Powys Police, said: “We welcome the increase in reports as a positive indication that victims feel they are able to report to Dyfed-Powys Police, knowing they will be listened to and taken seriously.

“The improvement in crime recording and victims’ improved confidence in how the police will deal with abuse have also played a significant part in the increase in reports to us. Increase in reports in the recent years could also be linked to the research which demonstrates many victims wait until adulthood before telling someone that they have been sexually abused.

“We will do all we can to support victims and survivors coming forward. It is vital that everyone who has contact with children or young people know the signs of abuse and shares any concerns, however small, with police or other agencies that can help.”

Reports to West Mercia Police also increased from 317 in 2013/14 to 699 in 2016/17, with 2,176 reports made in the last four years.

The NSPCC is encouraging people who need advice about reporting abuse they suffered in the past to contact its helpline, or if they are under 18 to go to Childline.

The figures were obtained by the NSPCC following a freedom of information request to police forces in England and Wales and British Transport Police.

Figures were also provided by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

Police forces across the UK recorded more than 60,000 cases, with the number increasing from 10,493 in 2013/14 to 20,410 in 2016/17.

The NSPCC says the true amount is likely to be higher still, with six UK police forces not providing full figures for all four years.

Anyone who has been a victim is urged to report it to police on 101 or contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 for advice and support.

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or at childline.org.uk

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