Charity reports rise in child sex abuse referrals

A charity said it has seen a steep rise in children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse requiring its specialist support.

Referrals in some areas of Norfolk and Suffolk, which are covered by Brave Futures, have risen by 150% compared with last year.

It said the demand reflected the "heartbreaking reality" of new national research which found one in six are sexually abused in childhood, with the prevalence likely to be much higher.

"What we are seeing is the growth of online harm, online grooming and exploitation, alongside young people having the courage to speak out," said Hannah Walker, engagement and fundraising manager at the charity.

Data published by the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse shows at least half a million children are estimated to experience in-person contact sexual abuse each year in England and Wales.

Walker said Brave Futures was one of the "very few" specialist support services available, with not every area of England and Wales able to access it.

The charity works alongside schools, health and social care professionals, police and community organisations to help them recognise the signs of abuse, respond confidently to disclosures and create environments where children feel safe to speak out.

"We are doing amazing things in Suffolk and Norfolk - raising awareness and offering education, but we wish it was more of a collective effort. Funding from local government would be wonderful as we would be able to do so much more," Walker told BBC Suffolk.

Walker said the charity tries to see children within eight to 12 weeks of referral but without more practitioners, it may be more than a year in some areas.

The charity said it needed individuals, businesses and community groups to support it through fundraising, volunteering, partnerships or donations, to ensure access for every child who needed it.

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