HUNDREDS of victims of historic sexual offences in Cumbria are bravely stepping forward to report their ordeals to police, newly released figures show.

The number has increased annually since 2013 - with 281 residents contacting the county's force last year, the highest on record for a 12 month period and more than double that of just four years ago.

Senior officers within the force are now encouraging more people to come forward and report incidents of abuse - no matter how long ago they took place.

Detective Inspector Dan St Quintin of Cumbria police said: “The reporting of several high profile cases in the media has given greater awareness to these non-recent crimes, and has made people more confident about coming forward with their own allegations.

"This has led to an increase in the reports we have received at Cumbria Constabulary."

The rising reports of non-recent or historic sexual abuse led Cumbria police chiefs to announce earlier this year that they would appoint 26 civilian investigators to help tackle cases.

Det Ins St Quintin added: “It is never too late to report abuse - all reports will be dealt with professionally and sensitively, and will be investigated thoroughly."

Figures accessed by children's charity the NSPCC found Cumbria Constabulary received 107 reports of non-recent sexual abuse during the 2013/14 year.

This increased to 182 during 2014/15, rising again to 235 the following year.

In 2016/17 the volume of people making a report to police across the area reached its highest level yet.

The worrying trend is repeated nationally as more than 60,000 cases of historic sexual abuse have been freshly reported over the last four years - of which at least 3,600 were within Cumbria and the North East.

The NSPCC believes high profile abuse cases such as the football abuse scandal, which began exactly a year ago, as well as cases involving Jimmy Savile may have given victims the confidence to finally report an incident.

Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, said: "It doesn't matter whether the sexual abuse happened a year ago or 50 years ago, it is never too late to report it.

"It's clear that for far too long, many people who suffered horrendously as children felt they could not speak up, were not believed or did not know who to turn to.

“Although these rising figures paint a worrying picture of widespread abuse, it is encouraging that so many are finally finding their voice in a climate today where they know they will be listened to and supported.”

Mr Wanless added: “What's important now is survivors of abuse receive the support they need and that the people who carried out these vile offences are identified and finally brought to justice.”


Reports of non-recent sexual abuse to police in Cumbria -the figures in full

2013/14 107

2014/15 182

2015/16 235

2016/17 281


Where to go for help?

Call Cumbria police on 101 to speak to an officer or visit your local police station.

Any adult who is the victim of non-recent abuse can also contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 for advice and support.

Children can call Childline on 0800 1111.