NEW figures have revealed that child sexual offences recorded by police over the past year remain close to record levels.

The data, compiled by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) through Freedom of Information, totalled 86,962 child sexual offences recorded by police across the UK in 2022/23 - remaining one of the highest on record since starting the annual research 16 years ago.

Types of offences included rape, sexual assault, sexual grooming and sexual exploitation. The highest number of crimes where age was known were perpetrated against 11 to 15-year-olds.

In Cumbria, 945 sex offences against under 18s were recorded in 2022/2023 - a nine per cent decrease from the previous year.

This comes as the NSPCC launches a new campaign in partnership with the Home Office to tackle child sexual abuse. Together, they are encouraging the public to contact the charity’s Helpline if they are concerned that a child could be at risk.

The partnership also encourages people to report on instances where there are concerns that a child might be experiencing sexual abuse.

One parent told 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?"

The NSPCC also operates a dedicated Whistleblowing Helpline, which can be contacted for any concerns around child protection issues within the workplace, or other professional organisations.

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 about children, 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.”