LISTEN: Seven Scottish children victim of sex offences daily
The NSPCC say seven sexual crimes a day have been recorded against children in Scotland in the last year.
The number of sexual offences against children recorded by police across Scotland reached almost 2,500 last year.
The figures have been obtained by NSPCC Scotland.
Our reporter Shiona McCallum has been talking to Jane, not her real name, about the abuse she went through at the hands of a male relative.
A record number of 2,483 crimes – seven a day – including rape, and sexual assault were reported in Scotland figures released under Freedom of Information laws show.
According to the figures, the number of offences recorded against girls, was significantly higher than that of boys. These figures may only be a fraction of the true amount of those who have suffered sexual abuse, as many suffer in silence and are afraid to speak up, the NSPCC warned.
As more children speak out, NSPCC Scotland is encouraging Scotland’s legal system to develop a more sensitive and effective response to ensuring justice is served.
NSPCC Scotland Head of Service Matt Forde said: ‘The reality that right now seven children are being abused every day is an appalling one and shows that there is a desperate need to support children who have suffered from sexual abuse.
“For too many children, our court system adds further trauma to their earlier experiences of abuse. We welcome proposals to reform our legal system to better support child witnesses in Scotland.
“We would urge the Government to replicate Scandinavian models as part of this reform, to free children from further suffering and allow the therapeutic support they need to begin more quickly.”
These latest statistics from a Freedom of Information request by the NSPCC to the 45 forces in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland saw the number of child sex offences reported to police throughout the UK rise to a record 45,456 in 2014-15 – 124 a day. In Scotland, there are no figures from 2013-14 with which to compare this year’s figures, but England and Wales has seen a large rise year-on-year in offences.
It is unclear why there has been such an increase in recorded offences. Victims may now feel more confident about coming forward following greater awareness about sexual abuse. Police forces may have improved their recording methods or become more vigilant about sexual crimes. And following high profile cases about ‘non-recent’ sex abuse, more survivors might feel encouraged to speak out.
Following the release of the figures, the NSPCC says there has never been a greater need for therapeutic help for victims. The charity’s It’s Time campaign is calling on the government to increase funding for support services for children who have suffered abuse and ring- fence money for these survivors.
Matt Forde added: “Sexual abuse can shatter a child’s mental health. It can leave them anxious, depressed and even suicidal. That is why it is crucial every single child who has endured abuse and needs support must get timely, thorough help so they can rebuild their lives.”