"Child abuse numbers close to record levels" says NSPCC
The children's charity has been looking at statistics from Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset Police
New figures compiled by the NSPCC found child sexual offences recorded by the region's police forces remain close to record levels.
New data reveals more than 2,500 sex offences against under-18s were recorded by Wiltshire and Avon and Somerset Police in 2022/23.
A freedom of information request submitted by the charity found almost 87,000 offences were committed in the UK as a whole - one of the highest years since their research started 16 years ago.
The charity are responding to these high numbers by launching a campaign to bring attention to their helplines, which are available to all people - children and adults alike.
It's hoped the campaign will encourage people to report on instances where there are concerns that a child might be experiencing sexual abuse.
One parent told the helpline: "I was in a relationship but this recently ended.
"My daughter said that she was glad my ex was not around anymore as they were “naughty”.
"When I asked my daughter why my ex was naughty, she disclosed that they had touched her inappropriately.
"It seems they had done this at least twice, and my daughter did not tell me because she thought she would get in trouble.
"I am terrified of what my ex has done to her and need advice on what to do now please?”
Childline, the charity’s free child counselling service, also hears directly from children on the impact sexual abuse can have on their lives.
One boy aged 14 told Childline: “I’m still haunted by something that happened in my past.
"When I was 11, I was assaulted by an older boy at my school.
"I tried telling my head of year how this boy had touched me without my consent, but they said there was nothing they could do… I was too scared to tell anyone else after that as I worried about getting the same response.”
This boy's experience is not unusual.
New data has found more than half of child sex offences are committed by other children.
Previously around a third of recorded crimes were classed as child-on-child - those aged 10 to 17 committing offences against other children - but in 2022 this rose to 52% in what police called "a growing and concerning trend".
Kam Thandi, Helpline Director at the NSPCC, said: “The high numbers of child sexual offences being reported by police forces across the UK are a warning to us all that more must be done to tackle this abuse.
“This new Helpline campaign, in partnership with the Home Office, will encourage the general public and professionals to reach out with concerns about child sexual abuse. All of us must play our part in protecting children.
“The Helpline deals with concerns, no matter how big or small, and we’re encouraging adults to contact us. What is shared could be life-changing for a child experiencing sexual abuse.”
Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000.
Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or on their website.