Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has announced an increase in the number of child abuse cases solved in 2023, compared to 2022. 

From 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023, GMP solved 82 more crimes than in the same period from the previous year, and made a total of 116 arrests.

GMP said it was "taking proactive action to remove child abusers from the streets of Greater Manchester."

Much of the 2023 work centred around GMP's Online Child Abuse Investigation Team (OCAIT).

The team is a specialist unit focussed solely on online offending. 

A national report found 32% of all child sexual abuse is committed online, a trend which has been on the up since the advent of the internet. 

GMP works both reactively and proactively, both handling referrals from other forces or proactively scouring online systems. 

A full information package is developed up to warrant stage, so that either the OCAIT or district teams can conduct the activity.

Greater Manchester Police takes both a proactive and reactive approach to solving cases (Image - pxfuel)

GMP also works closely with partner agencies such as Children's Services and schools across the districts to ensure appropriate safeguarding and support measures can be put in place.

Detective Chief Inspector Jen Tattersall leads the unit. "We don't underestimate the concern the public have for online sex offending, understandably so, but also the impact this type of offending can have on victims", she said. 

"Many victims speak about their feelings of embarrassment, that they may be judged, or excluded from their friendship groups for admitting being groomed. 

"That's just one of the reasons we take this issue incredibly seriously and aim to offer those impacted, where victims are identified, a judgement free, safe space to speak about their experiences with specially trained officers and victim services."

DCI Tattersall adds: "I would like to encourage anyone who believes that they have been a victim of online child sexual abuse, or is concerned a child they know has been, to contact GMP. 

"I understand how difficult it can be to recognise that abuse is taking place, or to come forward due to fears of what might happen, but I want to provide assurance that you will be supported, without judgement, and no matter how long has passed, we will always listen."

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