March 23, 2017 7.00 am This story is over 84 months old

Two child sex offences recorded every day in Lincolnshire

Two child sex offences are recorded every day by Lincolnshire Police, shock new figures have revealed. The number of child sex offences recorded by the force rose to 738 last year – an average of just over two a day – according to data obtained by the NSPCC. This represents a 23% rise from 598 offences in…
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Two child sex offences are recorded every day by Lincolnshire Police, shock new figures have revealed.

The number of child sex offences recorded by the force rose to 738 last year – an average of just over two a day – according to data obtained by the NSPCC.

This represents a 23% rise from 598 offences in 2014-15.

In Lincolnshire, over a quarter of crimes (197) were recorded against children aged 10 and under, while 49 of these crimes were perpetrated against victims aged four and under, some of whom would be too young to even attend primary school.

The number of child sex offences reported to police throughout the UK rose by a fifth to a record 55,507 last year, with recorded crimes including rape, sexual assault and sexual exploitation.

The NSPCC believes a number of reasons could explain the dramatic increase:

  • Police forces improving recording methods
  • Survivors feeling more confident in disclosing abuse following high-profile cases
  • Online grooming becoming a major problem with predators reaching multiple children

The total number of sex offences committed is unknown, as more children may not have come forward because they are frightened, embarrassed, or do not realise that they have been abused.

To cope with the numbers of children coming forward the NSPCC is calling for specialist training for police investigating online child abuse, effective rehabilitation for child sex offenders, and investment in early intervention services to help children recover.

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said: “This steep rise lays bare just how extensive this appalling crime against children has become, claiming multiple victims every hour, some of whom are yet to say their first word.

“Now, more than ever, victims need help as soon as possible to help them recover from their ordeals and go on to lead full and happy lives.

“Government must commit funds to early intervention that better help these children who through no fault of their own are enduring so much pain.”