The internet is an amazing source of information and communication, but unfortunately, it has also provided a new forum for online child abuse.
New Statistics On Online Child Abuse
According to statistics released by the National Crime Agency (NCA) at least 80,000 people in the UK are believed to pose a sexual threat to children online. Additionally, there has been a worryingly significant increase in child abuse images by 700% in the last five years.
The Home Secretary, Sajid Javid, has said that he will make it his “personal mission” to tackle the problem of online child abuse.
Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) Interim Report
Meanwhile, the IICSA is ongoing, and has recently published its Interim Report.
So far the Inquiry has consulted with 80 young people and children between the ages of 9 and 25 years old to discuss their experiences and views on how they can be better protected from sexual abuse, including the importance of staying safe online.
The Victims & Survivors Forum was set up by the IICSA to make it easier for victims and survivors of abuse to be involved in the Inquiry’s work. It also provides an opportunity for Forum members to meet with other members, and is open to all victims and survivors of child sexual abuse.
How Nelsons Can Help
Nelsons has a designated child abuse team who can provide free, confidential advice on your options if you have been affected by abuse.
Please call Helen Froggatt or Dianne Collins on 0800 024 1976, or alternatively contact us via our online form.