Wiltshire child sexual offences rise by more than 50 percent in five years

Child sexual abuse in Wiltshire has risen from 372 reported crimes in 2014/15 to 580 in 2019/20 - an increase of 55.9 percent.

The figures are from a recent NSPCC report which highlighted a national increase of more than 50 percent in the last five years, and which has prompted Wiltshire Police to reiterate its support for victims.

Det Supt Ben Mant, Head of the force's public protection department said: “We welcome this report which not only highlights the need for ongoing awareness of the awful act of child abuse, but which also supports and encourages children to report these incidents.  

“The increase may sound alarming but it reflects the work that has taken place across the county to improve awareness of the signs of sexual abuse and to encourage reporting to the police and our partner agencies.

“We always want children to report any abuse against them – either to the police or any of our partners and charities like the NSPCC and Childline. 

“We are continuing to work extremely closely with partner agencies, including local authorities, to not just bring offenders to justice, but to provide support to victims. 

“We know that most children spent more time at home during lockdown and we have been planning, with our partners, for an anticipated increase in demand when the schools return in September.

“My message here is that if you are a child in an abusive situation, please call the police or one of our partner agencies or charities that can help.  

"If you are an adult aware of such abuse – don’t remain silent, please seek help for the child’s sake.”

The force has worked with both local authorities under the gemstone brand in order to help tackle child criminal exploitation, which is one strand of the overall work in relation to child sexual abuse.  

In Wiltshire, the team is known as Emerald and works from County Hall.  In Swindon, the team is known as Opal and works from Wat Tyler House.  

Both teams deliver direct interventions for children and their families.

Cllr Mary Martin, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Our children today face a number of challenges to their safety and wellbeing – none more complex and damaging than criminal exploitation. 

"Being drawn into exploitative situations, where children can be both victims and perpetrators of serious harm, can have severe consequences for them and for their families, friends and communities.

“Working with our partners, including the Children’s Society and Research in Practice, the council is determined to ensure that children and young people at risk of exploitation are identified at the earliest opportunity and appropriate support offered to the young person and their family. 

"This is a very complex area of work and requires strong partnership working with our colleagues in the police and other organisations.

“In Swindon we have robust systems in place to help identify young people at risk of harm and have appropriate services ready to support children and families. 

"Staff across many agencies have received training to help them identify the signs and symptoms of child exploitation and be confident to make referrals to Children’s Social Care if required.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Swindon and Wiltshire Angus Macpherson said: “Child sexual abuse is an abhorrent crime that has devastating impact on victims and their families, and tackling this remains a force priority.

“I’ve allocated funding to a number of services supporting victims, and also working with those who have offended to stop them from reoffending.

“But prevention is key and we can only achieve that by working together.”

Coun Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills, said: “One of our most important roles is to protect our children. 

"We work closely with our partners and have a range of measures and support available to do this. 

“These figures show a rise which, whilst a concern, we are taking seriously, and also demonstrates people are contacting us if they have worries – something we want to encourage. 

"We would ask anyone who feels a child is being abused to report it so we can be there for children who need us.” 

Anybody concerned that a child is at immediate risk of abuse should call Wiltshire Police on 999.

If the child is not at immediate risk but people still have concerns and have some details about the child, such as their name or address, and they live in the Borough of Swindon, they should contact Swindon Borough Council during office hours (8.30am to 4.40pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am to 4.00pm Friday) on 01793 466903 or send an email to [email protected].

Elsewhere in the county, anybody with concerns should call the Wiltshire Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 0300 456 0108.

Otherwise people should call Wiltshire Police’s non-emergency line on 101.