NSPCC findings show increase in reported child sex offences in Suffolk

The number of child sex offences reported to police in Suffolk has increased, a charity has revealed.

The data, secured by the NSPCC, found that 1,417 child sexual offences were reported in the county in 2022/23, compared to 1,335 - a six per cent increase.

It follows a Freedom of Information request to all police forces across the UK by the charity, which found that 86,962 child sexual offences were recorded in 2022/23 – one of the highest since its annual research began 16 years ago.

Detective Superintendent Angus Moir, of Suffolk Police, said: "The protection of children remains a key priority for Suffolk Constabulary, and we work closely with other agencies to safeguard children, to investigate crimes against them and take protective action where this is necessary."

The increase has prompted a new campaign by the NSPCC, with the Home Office, to tackle child sexual abuse contacting the charity’s helpline.

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.

“The helpline deals with concerns about children, no matter how big or small, and we are encouraging adults to contact us. What is shared could be life-changing for a child experiencing sexual abuse.”

You can contact the NSPCC helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000 and children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.