Northern Ireland

Rising number of historic sex abuse cases against children reported, says NSPCC

Almost 3,000 cases of historic sexual abuse against children have been recorded by the PSNI over the last four years
Almost 3,000 cases of historic sexual abuse against children have been recorded by the PSNI over the last four years Almost 3,000 cases of historic sexual abuse against children have been recorded by the PSNI over the last four years

ALMOST 3,000 cases of historic sexual abuse against children have been recorded by the PSNI over the last four years, a charity has said.

The total has risen by more than 8% to 722 last year.

Children's charity the NSPCC believes this steep rise may, in part, be down to high-profile abuse cases as well as the football abuse scandal which began a year ago this week and has seen a dedicated helpline receive more than 2,500 calls.

Neil Anderson, head of NSPCC Northern Ireland, said: "It doesn't matter whether the sexual abuse happened a year ago or 50 years ago, it is never too late to report it".

"It's clear that for far too long, many people who suffered horrendously as children felt they could not speak up, were not believed or did not know who to turn to," he said.

A total of 2,760 cases of historic sexual abuse against children were recorded by the PSNI over the last four years.