NI child sex offences up 53pc to record high

The “rampant” increase in instances of rape, sexual assault and grooming has been attributed to greater awareness of abuse, child protection experts said. The tally rose by 53 per cent over a period of three years.

High-profile evidence at the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) inquiry has encouraged greater numbers to come forward, the NSPCC said.

The charity’s Northern Ireland’s head of service, Neil Anderson, said: “The continuing rise in reported sex offences against children is deeply worrying and shows what a rampant problem this is.

“The statistic that right now, four children are being abused every day in Northern Ireland is an appalling one, and shows that swift action must be taken to stamp out these horrendous crimes.”

The figures were obtained by the NSPCC and cover 2014/15.

It said more than a quarter (27 per cent) of the crimes were committed against children aged 11 and under.

The offences covered by the figures included rape, sexual assault and grooming – the equivalent of one child being abused every six hours.

The number of obscene publications offences involving children increased by 62 per cent to 231 over the last year.

Girls were nearly three times more likely than boys to suffer abuse.

The NSPCC said: “This figure may only be a fraction of the true amount of those who have experienced sexual abuse, as many suffer in silence and are afraid to speak up.”

Mr Anderson added: “Sexual abuse can shatter a child’s mental health; the cruelty can leave them anxious, depressed, and even suicidal.

“That is why it is crucial that every single child who has endured abuse and needs support must get timely, thorough help so that they can learn how to handle disturbing emotions and behaviours, and rebuild their lives.”