NSPCC urges Welsh Government action after increase in child sexual abuse concerns in Wales

The number of child sexual abuse concerns made to a leading charity have increased in the 12 months since the publication of a major report.

New data shows that child protection charity NSPCC received over 8,800 contacts from adults across the UK about child sexual abuse in the year up to the end of September .

This is a six percent increase on the previous year.

Between October 2022 and September 2023, the NSPCC Helpline sent 153 referrals to agencies in Wales relating to child sexual abuse and exploitation.

The figures were released on the first anniversary of the final report by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) which was set up in 2015.

Over seven years, IICSA received evidence and testimonies from thousands of victims and survivors, resulting in a comprehensive set of recommendations last October to address endemic child sexual abuse.

But the NSPCC said the increasing number of contacts showed child sexual abuse was not a thing of the past and in Wales.

It has now called on the Welsh Government to implement IICSA recommendations in their next action plan on tackling child sexual abuse.

A parent from Wales who contacted Helpline said: “Last night, I was checking my 13-year-old daughter’s phone and was shocked to discover she’d received hundreds of messages from another girl who claimed to be 16.

“The messages, so sexual in nature, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

“My daughter claims this person is a friend, which I doubt very much. I’m worried she’s being groomed, and I don’t know what to do.”

In Wales, the NSPCC is calling for a coordinated response to IICSA across Welsh Government that focuses on investment in both prevention and specialist, accredited, therapeutic support services for child victims.

Policy and Public Affairs Manager for NSPCC Cymru / Wales, Cecile Gwilym, said: “IICSA deserved to be a defining moment for victims, survivors and children who are currently at risk of or are experiencing abuse.

“We need a step change in how we prevent and respond to child sexual abuse. Now is the time for a national mission to combat abuse which is rooted in the experiences of child victims, focusses on prevention and ensures there is support in place to help them recover and rebuild their lives.”

The NSPCC has also welcomed the passing of the Online Safety Bill by the UK Parliament and its robust response to child sexual abuse online.

But the charity pointed out the UK Government had downgraded legislation for victims by transforming the promised Victims Bill into the Victims and Prisoners Bill, further diluting provisions for children impacted by sexual abuse.

The Victims and Prisoners Bill is expected to return to the UK Parliament after the King’s Speech next month.

NSPCC Cymru calls for Welsh Government commitment one year on from independent abuse report. The NSPCC want it amended to place a duty on local authorities to provide sufficient and specific support for children and young people who are victims of sexual abuse, regardless of whether they are engaged with the criminal justice system.