SHOCKING statistics show the number of sex offences against children across West Mercia is up 14 per cent on the last year.
The figures, released by the NSPCC, show a total of 1,786 offences were recorded in 2016/17 in the force area, an increase on the 1,569 committed the year before.
New figures, obtained via a Freedom of Information request to police, found West Mercia Police officers recorded crimes including rape, sexual assault and grooming – with eight offences recorded against babies aged one or younger.
A total of 512 crimes in West Mercia were recorded against children aged ten and under, while 137 of these crimes were perpetrated against children four and under.
In 2016/17, some 213 offences recorded by West Mercia Police were flagged as having an online element – up 87 per cent from 114 the year before.
Following the revelations and that child sex offences across the UK were at an all-time high, the NSPCC is calling for the Government to direct more resources to ensure high-quality training and support is available to frontline police officers to help raise awareness of safeguarding procedures and tackle child sex offences, especially online.
The charity said it was also vital children felt able to come forward to disclose abuse when it happened.
The NSPCC’s ‘Speak Out. Stay Safe’ programme visited 72 primary schools across Worcestershire last year, helping more than 17,000 children learn the signs of abuse in an age appropriate way, and what to do if they have been victims of such abuse.
Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said the dramatic rise was extremely concerning and showed how extensive child sexual abuse was.
“These abhorrent crimes can shatter a child’s life, leaving them to feel humiliated, depressed, or even suicidal.
“That is why it is crucial every single child who has endured abuse and needs support must get timely, thorough help so they can learn to rebuild their lives.”
He added the figures also showed police were making real progress in how they investigated child sex offences and said, going forward, the police must be best-equipped to work with other agencies and provide ongoing support and training to frontline officers.
Visit www.nspcc.org.uk for more.
