SEXUAL offences against children in the West Midlands in the past year included ten involving babies.
A total of 2,494 offences were recorded by West Midlands Police in 2016/17 – up 15 per cent from the previous year – as the number of recorded child sex offences across the UK hit an all-time high.
New figures obtained via a Freedom of Information request by the NSPCC found the force recorded crimes including rape, sexual assault and grooming – with five offences recorded against victims aged just one.
A total of 758 crimes in the region were recorded against children aged ten and under, while 178 of the crimes were perpetrated against children four and under.
And 119 offences recorded by West Midlands Police were flagged as having an online element.
But the NSPCC says the total number of offences committed against children is unknown, as more children may not have come forward out of fear or embarrassment, or may not even realise they had been abused.
The NSPCC believes the dramatic increase could be down to a number of factors including improved police recording methods, victims feeling more confident in disclosing abuse following high-profile cases, and online groomers becoming a significant problem with predators able to reach hundreds of children.
The NSPCC is calling for government to direct more resources to ensure training and support is available to frontline police officers to help tackle child sex offences, especially online.
But it is also vital children feel able to come forward to disclose abuse. The NSPCC’s Speak Out Stay Safe programme visited schools in the region last year, helping more than 50,000 children learn the signs of abuse in an age-appropriate way, and what to do if they have been victims of such abuse.
Peter Wanless, NSPCC Chief Executive, said: “This dramatic rise is extremely concerning and shows just how extensive child sexual abuse is.
“These abhorrent crimes can shatter a child’s life, leaving them to feel humiliated, depressed, or 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 learn to rebuild their lives.
“These new figures suggest the police are making real progress in how they investigate sex offences against children. To help them tackle the issue going forward, we must ensure the police are equipped to work with other agencies and provide ongoing support and training to officers on the front line.”
