HAMPSHIRE parents are being urged to back a new campaign against sexual child abuse after an increase in the number of offences against primary school-aged children.
The number of sex crimes against children under 11 rose to 262 in Hampshire last year, an increase of almost ten per cent from 2012. Meanwhile numbers are up by nearly 20 per cent nationwide with 5,547 offences recorded against the under-11s.
The NSPCC has launched the Underwear Rule campaign to help parents make young children aware of how to stay safe through easy conversations.
Sharon Copsey, regional head of service for NSPCC South West, said: “Most children are abused by someone they know, so it’s vital that we communicate to children that it’s not right for anyone to touch the places that are private to them, no matter who they are.”
Go online to www.nspcc.org.uk for more advice.
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