It has been reported by the NSPCC that there was a rise of 15% in the number of child sexual offences reported to the police in 2016/17 compared to the previous year. This is a record high.

64,667 sexual offences against victims aged under 18 years old were reported by UK police forces which equates to an average of 177 offences per day.

There has also been an increase in the number of cases which include an online element to 1 in 10 offences.

The NSPCC has described the overall increase in reported sexual offences as “dramatic” and “extremely concerning”.

Whilst it is understandably concerning, it is also possible that one of the reasons for the increase in figures is that people feel more confident about coming forward and reporting matters to the police.

Having dealt exclusively in the area of child abuse for over 17 years, a number of my clients have referred to having felt more able to report abuse to the police post Savile. If the abuse occurred some time ago and it has never been disclosed to anyone it can be very difficult to report it.

Numerous articles in the press, including the recent conviction and sentencing of Barry Bennell and Matthew Falder, and child abuse being a more common storyline in television dramas, have increased the public’s awareness of the issue. As a result, this may have lead people to feel more assured and confident that they will be believed if they report abuse to the police and that their allegations will be investigated.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of abuse it may be difficult to talk about what has happened. However, the team at Farleys is extremely experienced and will speak to you in the strictest confidence. We can be contacted on 03301346430 or by email.