A STEEP increase in historical sex abuse offences against children has been recorded by Surrey, Hampshire and Sussex police forces over the last four years.

Revealing the rise, UK children’s charity NSPCC urged other survivors of child sex abuse to break the silence and speak out.

In Surrey, the number recorded since 203/14 has increased by 141 per cent, in Hampshire the increase is 131 per cent and it increased by 59 per cent in Sussex.

A total of 1,140 cases was recorded by Surrey Police and the number of recorded incidents involving an offence alleged to have occurred more than a year before, increased from 156 in 2013/14 to 376 in 2016/17.

Nearly 2,700 cases have been recorded by Hampshire Constabulary over the last four years, increasing from 377 in 2013/14 to 869 in 2016/17.

Just under 1,130 cases have been recorded by Sussex police over a three-year period, increasing from 280 in 2013/14 to 444 in 2015/16.

Nationally, there were more than 60,000 cases of non-recent sexual abuse against children recorded over the last four years.

The children’s charity believes this steep rise may, in part, be down to high-profile abuse cases as well as the football abuse scandal which began a year ago this week and has seen a dedicated NSPCC helpline receive more than 2,500 calls.

The NSPCC hopes the increase in cases recorded by police will reassure survivors they will be listened to and will see law enforcement taking swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice.

It is also encouraging people who need advice about reporting abuse they suffered in the past to contact its helpline, or if they are aged 18 or under, to go to the Childline charity.

The new non-recent sexual offences figures were obtained following a Freedom of Information request to police forces in England and Wales and British Transport Police.

The true overall number of non-recent offences against children recorded will be higher still with six UK police forces, including Sussex, not providing full figures for all four years.

Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, said: “It doesn’t matter whether the sexual abuse happened a year ago or 50 years ago, it is never too late to report it.

“Although these rising figures paint a worrying picture of widespread abuse, it is encouraging that so many are finally finding their voice in a climate today where they know they will be listened to and supported.”

As well victims of past abuse being able to seek support from the NSPCC, the National Association of People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) has trained staff who can speak with survivors of childhood abuse and explore the options available to them such as support groups and counselling.

NAPAC also supports the family and friends of people who are helping someone who was abused.

Any adult who is the victim of non-recent abuse is urged to report it to the police or contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 for advice and support. Children can also contact Childline on 0800 1111.