It has recently been reported that in the four years since 2013, Police in the Northwest have seen reports involving non-recent child abuse reach over 10,000.
Figures released by Greater Manchester and Cheshire Police Authorities show that between them, these two boroughs have recorded over 6,000 complaints/reports. Although Cumbria, Lancashire and Merseyside Police have not released full statistics for the same four year period, it can be estimated that between them, these three remaining boroughs have received in the region of 4,000 similar reports.
Thereby, across the region since 2013, police forces in the Northwest have received on average, 50 new reports each week. That figure makes for thousands of victims.
With the ever-increasing media coverage that surrounds these appalling crimes and the high-profile reports of abuse in schools, scouts and football clubs, religious organisations, and the military, we can be forgiven for the shock that has been felt upon realising that child abuse has been so widespread.
We would also hope that these figures indicate that victims now feel more confident in coming forward to report incidents of abuse and that perpetrators now realise that the chances of getting away with their crimes are ever-decreasing.
If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of historic child abuse, we accept that it may be difficult to talk about what has happened. However, our specialist team at Farleys is extremely experienced and will speak to you in the strictest confidence on 0330 134 6430 or alternatively we can be contacted by email.
