We must protect our children

Ulster Unionist MLA Roy Beggs has expressed his concern following a report which indicated that more than 1,000 sex crimes against children were recorded by the PSNI in Northern Ireland last year.

The UUP's children and young person's spokesperson said, "This figure is a shocking insight into the difficulties which some of our children and young people are facing on a daily basis. As we know, most abuse is unreported and so the true extent of the problem remains hidden. Undoubtedly, the real total is significantly higher.

"These figures show that three children are disclosing sexual abuse every day in Northern Ireland. Many are frightened of disclosing abuse to someone; they are scared that they will not be believed. These children need to know that help is available. Society needs to listen to these children, take their concerns seriously and give them the protection and support which they need.

"The services operated by ChildLine offer invaluable support to a child or young person who is not sure where to turn. Children can call ChildLine on 0800 1111 to talk to trained counselors who will comfort and advise them.

"Research shows that children are more likely to be sexually abused by someone who they know including family members, friends of the family and people in positions of trust than by a stranger. The recently released figures also show that girls were five times more likely to be the victims of a reported sex offence than boys.

"I will be working with my colleagues on the Policing Board to ensure that these crimes are highlighted and that the PSNI have the best policies to ensure that vulnerable young victims are dealt with sensitively and receive the best care possible. It is clear that we need to continue to raise public awareness of this insidious problem."