More than a quarter of sex offences reported to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are committed against children aged 11 and under, according to a new report.
Figures obtained by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) from the PSNI Statistics Branch, indicate that the number of child sex offences reported to the PSNI in 2014-15 was 1,516 - a record high.
Of the 2,691 sexual offences recorded by police, more than 27 per cent were committed against children aged 11 and under.
The charity explained that reported cases of rape, sexual assault and grooming of children had increased by 53 per cent over the past three years, the equivalent of one child being abused every six hours.
The number of offences recorded against girls (1,141), was nearly three times higher than that of boys (374).
The number of obscene publications offences involving children, which are recorded separately, increased by 62 per cent to 231, over the last year.
The NSPCC highlighted that because of the nature of sexual abuse, the true figures are likely to be much higher.
The organisation suggested the increase in reports to police could be in part attributed to high profile cases in the media, particularly the ongoing Historical Institutional Abuse inquiry being carried out in Banbridge, Co Down.
NSPCC’s head of service in Northern Ireland, Neil Anderson, described the abuse of children as a “rampant problem”.
“The statistic that right now, four children are being abused every day in Northern Ireland is an appalling one, and shows that swift action must be taken to stamp out these horrendous crimes,” he said
“Sexual abuse can shatter a child’s mental health; the cruelty can leave them anxious, depressed, and even suicidal.”
Mr Anderson said it is crucial that every child who had experienced abuse receives timely support to help them rebuild their lives and learn how to handle disturbing emotions and behaviours.
“Our It’s Time Campaign demands that government make the mental health of abused children a priority, so that some of the most vulnerable members of our society can start to recover,” he said.
Among the young people who share their story with the NSPCC is Emma (not her real name) from Craigavon, Co Armagh.
She said: “After I saw my abuse for what it was and reported my abuser, it felt like my whole world was falling apart.
“I was filled with anxiety and in such a dark place that I couldn’t see any way out of it.
“The treatment I got at the NSPCC gave me the opportunity to off load, and the skills I needed to deal with the situation - even now when I feel like I can’t cope I remember the things I learned there.
“I used to think that my experience of abuse was all that I was, but now it’s just a part of my history.”