HALF of the cases of child abuse in the North-East are carried by an immediate family member, research by the NSPCC has revealed.
The charity’s study, published today, found the majority of sexual assaults against children are committed by someone they know.
Figures obtained from around half the police forces in England and Wales reveal that in just seven per cent of reported sexual abuse incidents last year a stranger was responsible.
But more than seven out of 10 cases involved a relative, friend or someone else close to the child, with the remainder committed by acquaintances.
Baseer Mir, NSPCC Middlesbrough service centre manager, said: “There is sometimes the perception that child sex offenders are strangers, sinister figures lurking in the shadows.
“But the reality is that most victims know their abusers. They are more likely to be a relative, neighbour or family friend rather than someone they have never met before.”
Information provided by Durham and Cleveland Police Forces show that in half of the cases, the offender was related to the victim.
Other police forces in the region were unable to provide data because it is not collated.
Mr Mir added: “Every year the lives of thousands of children are ruined by adults who they think they can trust but who sexually abuse them.
“Many of the victims are threatened or intimidated into silence with some thinking no one will believe them or that their revelations will break-up their family.
“This means some offenders go unpunished and are at liberty to abuse more youngsters.”
Earlier this year figures obtained by the NSPCC showed there were more than 23,000 sex crimes against children, the equivalent of 60 a day, were reported in England and Wales.
Sexual abuse is one of the most frequent issues that children speak to the NSPCC’s ChildLine helpline about.
Last year one caller to the service said: “I was sexually abused by my grandfather when I was younger for four years.
“I just feel like I cannot take it anymore and have attempted suicide and self harm. “I just want to move on with my life.”
For help and advice call ChildLine on 0800-1111 or log on to www.Childline.org.uk