Menu
19/01/2009
Fifty Children Abused A Day, New Figures Show
Police recorded more than 50 sexual offences against children every day last year, new shocking statistics have revealed.
The police figures, obtained by children's charity NSPCC, found more than 20,000 cases of sex abuse of children in 2008.
There were 20,758 alleged sex crimes involving under-18s reported to police officers in England and Wales in 2008, according to the NSPCC. In 4,984 cases - almost one in four - the victims were aged 10 or younger, while 800 involved pre-school children.
The charity obtained the figures under the Freedom of Information Act as the Home Office does not publish them. All police force’s except Greater Manchester responded.
The NSPCC is now calling on ministers to collect exact figures that show how many of the offences resulted in convictions.
NSPCC director of public policy Phillip Noyes said: "These shocking figures reveal just how young many of the reported victims of sex abuse are, with even one-year-olds being at risk, although the highest numbers of offences were against children in their early teens.
"It's a grim picture buy this is only a snapshot, as our research indicated there are many more abused children whose suffering never comes to light."
Home Office figures show there were 53,540 recorded sexual offences in the financial year 2007-08, but these only list "broad ages" for victims such as "sexual assault on a female child under 13".
The NSPCC has criticised the official statistics for not providing a clear picture of how many involved children.
A Home Office spokeswoman responded to the report, saying: "Sexual offences against children are terrible crimes and we are committed to increasing the number of offenders that are caught and brought to justice.
"We now have specialist child abuse investigation teams and specialist rape prosecutors in every area and provide operational support to forces to help improve their strategies for the investigation of serious sexual offences."
(JM/BMcC)
The police figures, obtained by children's charity NSPCC, found more than 20,000 cases of sex abuse of children in 2008.
There were 20,758 alleged sex crimes involving under-18s reported to police officers in England and Wales in 2008, according to the NSPCC. In 4,984 cases - almost one in four - the victims were aged 10 or younger, while 800 involved pre-school children.
The charity obtained the figures under the Freedom of Information Act as the Home Office does not publish them. All police force’s except Greater Manchester responded.
The NSPCC is now calling on ministers to collect exact figures that show how many of the offences resulted in convictions.
NSPCC director of public policy Phillip Noyes said: "These shocking figures reveal just how young many of the reported victims of sex abuse are, with even one-year-olds being at risk, although the highest numbers of offences were against children in their early teens.
"It's a grim picture buy this is only a snapshot, as our research indicated there are many more abused children whose suffering never comes to light."
Home Office figures show there were 53,540 recorded sexual offences in the financial year 2007-08, but these only list "broad ages" for victims such as "sexual assault on a female child under 13".
The NSPCC has criticised the official statistics for not providing a clear picture of how many involved children.
A Home Office spokeswoman responded to the report, saying: "Sexual offences against children are terrible crimes and we are committed to increasing the number of offenders that are caught and brought to justice.
"We now have specialist child abuse investigation teams and specialist rape prosecutors in every area and provide operational support to forces to help improve their strategies for the investigation of serious sexual offences."
(JM/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 April 2003
New measures to curb sex tourism revealed
Registered sex offenders who travel abroad will have to notify the police if they plan to be away for three days or more, under new measure designed to tighten laws governing sex offenders. The government's Sexual Offences Bill today which will also see sex offenders required to give the police seven days notice of their intention to travel.
New measures to curb sex tourism revealed
Registered sex offenders who travel abroad will have to notify the police if they plan to be away for three days or more, under new measure designed to tighten laws governing sex offenders. The government's Sexual Offences Bill today which will also see sex offenders required to give the police seven days notice of their intention to travel.
25 September 2015
Man Found To Be Grooming Young Girls Jailed
A 48-year-old man has pleaded guilty to eight offences of grooming young girls for sexual purposes. Ian Alexander, of Rowland Way, Ashford, Middlesex, was sentenced to a total of three years and five months in prison, and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday, 23 September.
Man Found To Be Grooming Young Girls Jailed
A 48-year-old man has pleaded guilty to eight offences of grooming young girls for sexual purposes. Ian Alexander, of Rowland Way, Ashford, Middlesex, was sentenced to a total of three years and five months in prison, and made the subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, at Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday, 23 September.
27 October 2015
70-Year-Old Jailed For Abusing Boys Over Forty Years
A 70-year-old man has been found guilty of a number of sexual offences against young boys over a period of 40 years. Neil McKenna of Barnett's Close, Tunbridge Wells was arrested in November 2013 after police carried out a warrant to search his home address.
70-Year-Old Jailed For Abusing Boys Over Forty Years
A 70-year-old man has been found guilty of a number of sexual offences against young boys over a period of 40 years. Neil McKenna of Barnett's Close, Tunbridge Wells was arrested in November 2013 after police carried out a warrant to search his home address.
15 July 2013
Britain Charged With Sex Assault On Children In Kenya
A man has been charged in the UK with sexual offences against two children in Kenya. Legislation allowing UK nationals to be prosecuted for sexual offences committed abroad has been used to charge 54-year-old Simon Harris, of Pudleston, Leominster. He is facing charges of attempted rape and sexual activity with a child, police have said.
Britain Charged With Sex Assault On Children In Kenya
A man has been charged in the UK with sexual offences against two children in Kenya. Legislation allowing UK nationals to be prosecuted for sexual offences committed abroad has been used to charge 54-year-old Simon Harris, of Pudleston, Leominster. He is facing charges of attempted rape and sexual activity with a child, police have said.
25 June 2008
Primary Teacher Charge With Sex Offences
A teacher in charge of very young children has been charged with 19 sex offences. Fifty-five-year-old David Thorley, Head of Pembroke Dock Community School in Pembrokeshire, is alleged to have committed the offences between 2003 and 2007 in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. It is understood the charges relate to "sexual touching of children".
Primary Teacher Charge With Sex Offences
A teacher in charge of very young children has been charged with 19 sex offences. Fifty-five-year-old David Thorley, Head of Pembroke Dock Community School in Pembrokeshire, is alleged to have committed the offences between 2003 and 2007 in Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. It is understood the charges relate to "sexual touching of children".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will stay dry and also a rather cloudy start, then sunny spells gradually developing through the day. Another mild day with brisk southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 10 °C.Tonight:Staying dry with clear periods at first then cloudier skies edging in overnight. Turning chilly where skies remain clear. A light southerly breeze. Minimum temperature 3 °C.
