Child Sex Offences 'At 10 Year High'

The number of sexual offences against children in Scotland including rape, sexual assault and grooming have reached a ten year high.

The UK total of 3,742 is being revealed as the NSPCC launches its third 'How Safe are our Children?' report measuring the extent and nature of child abuse across the country.

The number of contacts to the charity''s helpline from adults in Scotland worried a child is being sexually abused rose by 19% to 407 in 2014/15.

Half of the contacts received by the charity’s helpline from people in Scotland about sexual abuse were so serious that they were immediately referred on to the police or children’s services.

Matt Forde, NSPCC Scotland’s head of national services said: “The nation has been horrified by the revelations of decades of horrendous child abuse. But while the Scottish Government’s inquiry is historical, child abuse is not.

“For too many children, our court system adds further trauma to their earlier experiences of abuse.  We need a bold approach to reform our legal system. By borrowing from Scandinavian models, we can free children from further suffering and allow the therapeutic support they need to begin more quickly.

"It’s not clear why the number of offences has risen. Greater awareness of sexual abuse may be giving more victims the courage to come forward, including those reporting historical cases, and the police may also have improved their recording methods. However, as more children speak out, the Scottish legal system needs to develop a more sensitive and effective response to ensuring justice is served."