Sex abuse against children up by a third across the Black Country and Staffordshire
Cases of sexual abuse against children in the Black Country and Staffordshire have gone up by almost a third, according to the NSPCC.
The charity referred 155 reports of child sex abuse to councils and police across the two areas in 2016/17 – up from 107 the year before.
Cases are passed on to necessary authorities by the charity following a tip-off by the public.
In Walsall the number of referrals rose from 11 to 24 over the two periods, in Sandwell 23 to 28, in Dudley 12 to 15 and in Wolverhampton 11 to 16.
It was the same story in Staffordshire, where the number of referrals rose from 50 to 72.
The charity has launched a Light Up Christmas for Children appeal to raise the profile and cash for its work.
It says a child is sexually abused when they are forced or persuaded to take part in sexual activities, either physically or online.
John Cameron, head of helplines at the NSPCC, said: “It is deeply worrying that so many children are potentially being exposed to such a devastating experience, but at the same time it also suggests that as a society we are much more alert to the risks and much more willing to come forward and share our concerns.
“Sexual abuse can do huge damage to a child’s life and left untreated will often haunt them long into adulthood. It is therefore vital that anyone who suspects a young person is in danger contacts the authorities or gets in touch with us through our dedicated Helpline.”
