Barnardo’s issue urgent plea over abuse case surge

A massive surge in the number of child sex abuse cases has prompted an urgent appeal from a children’s charity.

Barnardo’s says following scandals of the magnitude of Rotherham, it has seen an “unprecedented demand” for its services.

A record 2,118 child sexual exploitation victims were supported by the charity last year, up 78% compared to 2010/2011.

In order to deal with the rapidly increasing number of referrals from the police and local authorities, it is desperately seeking £370,000 in donations.

Barnardo’s, which supports both boys and girls, says it has worked with children as young as 11 years old.

One girl who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, named only as Sally, was just 13 years old when she was targeted and groomed online by men who preyed on her vulnerability.

Pretending to be her “boyfriends” they took her to parties and cajoled her into having sex with other men.

After being referred to Barnardo’s, a senior practitioner met with Sally, and spent many hours talking and listening to her.

Eventually Sally realised there was an adult she could trust, and she slowly built up her self-esteem, enabling her to escape her abusers.

Barnardo’s is appealing for the public’s help so that it can appoint more support workers.

Last year it began operating in 10 new locations and now provides support in 47 different areas across the UK.

The charity’s chief executive Javed Khan said: “Barnardo’s has been working to tackle the devastating impact of child sexual exploitation for two decades. The scale of this abuse is shocking – with more and more incidences of child sexual exploitation coming to light.”

He added: “Every day, more sexually exploited children are referred to us. Girls and boys from all walks of life can become victims of child sexual exploitation and the numbers are growing.

“Without further funds we simply won’t be able to reach all those who need our help.”

Visit www.barnardos.org.uk/emma to donate to the appeal.

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