Incestuous attacks on children have soared by 72% in Greater Manchester over the last three years – reaching a four year high.
Sexual activity with child family members has risen from 18 charges in 2012 to 41 last year, with a huge jump to 64 incidents brought before the courts this year.
The highest year for cases was 2011 which saw a staggering 85 charges brought in Greater Manchester for familial sexual activity with children.
Jon Brown, NSPCC lead on tackling sexual abuse, said: “There may be a combination of factors behind these figures. But we know from our research that reported child abuse, especially in the family environment, is just the tip of the iceberg of what is really happening.
“Recent high profile child protection cases have highlighted the issue and made the public more aware than ever of the need to report abuse.
“These figures could therefore simply indicate an increase in the amount of child abuse that is being reported and dealt with.”
Overall levels of incest have also risen dramatically in the past three years, with 71 charges brought this year alone, up by 20 on last year.
However, the highest year again was 2011 in which 94 cases were seen by the courts.
“At the NSPCC we are committed to helping children understand that all sexual abuse is wrong, whoever is doing it,” Jon said.
“We want to reassure those being abused that they are not alone, that it is never their choice and it is not their fault.”
A recent report written by Stockport MP Ann Coffey warned that child sexual exploitation is becoming the ‘social norm’ in Greater Manchester.
The ‘Real Voices’ report determined that schoolgirls are routinely approached by men who ply them with alcohol, drugs and gifts to groom them for sex.
Ms Coffey’s report was conducted in the wake of the of the 2012 Rochdale sex scandal – where a group of men who preyed on under-age teenage girls were convicted of sex trafficking.
Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said: “The report makes clear about how far we have come since the terrible events of the Rochdale grooming case.
“It is clear that agencies who are tasked with keeping our young people safe have made huge mistakes in the past.”
If you are concerned about a child or young person, Greater Manchester Police can be contacted on 101 or the NSPCC on 0800 800 5000.
Any child or young person wanting help or advice can also use the numbers above or contact ChildLine on 0800 1111.
Image courtesy of Guian Bolisay, with thanks.