02.09.11
Increased convictions for sex offences on children
Convictions for sex offences on children have risen 60% in the last six years in England and Wales. According to data collected by a freedom of information request, 2,135 people were convicted in 2010.
The rise in convictions has been attributed to better detection by police and raised awareness throughout the public. The crime is still greatly under-reported, child protection groups say.
NSPCC head of strategy and development Lisa Harker said: “It's difficult to tell if these figures indicate an increase in the number of sex offences being committed against children.
“It may be that more people - adults and children - are becoming aware of abuse and so are reporting cases to the police and other authorities. Nevertheless it's still a relatively small number of convictions considering child sex abuse is a big problem.”
Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre chief executive Peter Davies said: “It is good news as it's a good indicator that police services and others are getting their act together.”
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