REPORTS of child sex offences to police in Dorset more than doubled over the past five years.

While the county's annual total of 706 reports for 2019/20 was down eight per cent on the previous 12-month period, the rolling five-year figure showed a 112.6 per cent increase.

A senior Dorset Police detective said a "huge amount" was being done to protect the most vulnerable members of the community despite the "significant rise" in reports since 2014/15.

Crime reporting figures obtained by the NSPCC from police through FOI requests for 2019/20, showed 120 of the reports in Dorset involved a victim who was aged 10 or under.

Detective Superintendent Sarah Derbyshire, Dorset Police's director of public protection, said: “While offences reported to the force over the last year have reduced by eight per cent, the rolling five-year figure shows a significant rise and I would like to reassure the public that a huge amount of work is taking place to protect the most vulnerably members of our community.

“The increase in reports is in line with the national rise of offences of this nature and we believe it is due to a number of factors including changes to the way we record the information.

“There has also been an increase in confidence in victims reporting such crimes to police, including non-recent sexual offences. High-profile national investigations continue to raise awareness in sexual offences against children.

“The force has continued to strengthen its response and resource capability to deal with sexual offences against children, with more officers in dedicated teams such as in child sexual exploitation, child abuse investigation team and paedophile online investigation team. Officers and staff receive specific training to ensure an awareness and understanding of these often complex crimes, which affect some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“Dorset Police also supports multi-agency efforts toward education and awareness campaigns, encouraging victims and anyone with information about those types of offences to come forward and access support.

“The force refers a number of victims to STARS (Sexual Trauma and Recovery Service), a pan-Dorset charity that offers one-to-one support, free of charge, for anyone of any age or gender who lives, works or studies in Dorset and has experienced any form of sexual violence in their lives.

“Dorset Police is a member of the local safeguarding children’s boards where the response to child sexual abuse and assaults are a board priority. Together with partner agencies the force is committed to safeguarding children and bringing offenders to justice."

Nationally, 73,518 child sex offences offences were reported in 2019/20, including rape, online grooming and sexual assault against children.

NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless said: “The crisis of child sexual abuse is not going away and behind these figures are thousands of children and young people who have reported crimes that can have a devastating impact on their lives.

“Urgent action is needed to prevent abuse and to ensure children are supported to recover when they bravely speak out.

“We need concerted leadership from governments across the UK to implement strategies on tackling child sexual abuse that put the experiences and needs of children at their heart and are effective in preventing abuse and helping young people recover.”

Useful contact numbers and websites:

  • Dorset Police: call 101. Always dial 999 if an emergency.
  • Local Authority Children’s Social Care: BCP Council on 01202 735046 and Dorset Council on 01305 228866.
  • NSPCC: call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk
  • ChildLine (for children and young people): call 0800 11 11
  • Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre: website ceop.police.uk
  • CEOP resources suitable for parents and children of different ages: website thinkuknow.co.uk
  • For adults who are concerned about their behaviour: call 0808 1000 900, website stopitnow.org.uk