RECORDED sexual offences against children in Northern Ireland have reached an all-time high.
Figures obtained by the NSPCC show there were 2,036 offences reported last year, including rape, grooming and sexual assault - equating to more than five sex crimes against children every day .
The charity is calling for an overhaul of how services are delivered to support young victims across the north, with an emphasis on support from justice as well as health and social care agencies.
They have pointed to a dedicated facility in London, known as The Lighthouse, where all medical, advocacy, social care, police and therapeutic services can be found under one roof in a child-friendly environment.
Neil Anderson, head of NSPCC NI, said: "Record numbers of child sexual offences means we are facing a crisis in the help available for thousands of children.
"These children have the confidence to disclose what happened to them but in too many cases there is not enough timely, joined up and child-friendly support.
"We need a radical rethink in the way we help these young people, otherwise they could struggle for the rest of their lives with long term, deep- seated trauma."
The charity is currently operating a support service in its centres in Belfast, Foyle and Craigavon, to help children between the ages of eight and 17 recover from sexual abuse.
