Significant increases in sexual offences against children in West Yorkshire
West Yorkshire has seen a rise of 150% in the number of sexual offences against children over the last 3 years.
West Yorkshire has seen a huge rise in the number of sexual offences against children over the last 3 years.
The number of reported cases of sexual offences towards under-16's has risen by 150% since 2012/2013.
It's thought recent high profile grooming scandals can be attriubuted to the increase as people find more confidence to come forward.
Emma Jackson, from Yorkshire, survived abuse as a child. She told Radio Aire: "The results that have happened with recent court cases - the sentences have actually reflected the seriousness of the crimes and I think that has filled a lot of people with hope."
"They know that they can trust the police and that they can go forward and something will be done."
An NSPCC spokesman said: "These are grim figures which show that the number of sex offences has more than doubled in the last five years, with a significant number of victims being children. Recent investigations have exposed a dark underbelly of abuse that went on for far too long with the impact only now becoming tragically clear."
“Sexual abuse has a devastating impact on a child, and we urge all victims to come forward as soon as possible so they can get the support they need and offenders can be brought to justice. Any child who has been a victim can always call Childline on 0800 1111."