Perpetrators of child sexual abuse sentenced to nearly 300 years in last 15 months.

“It’s never too late to report abuse of any kind to police.  We will listen to you, we will believe you and we will support you.”

That’s the message from a senior child protection and safeguarding detective as sentences totalling nearly 300 years were handed in the last 15 months to people convicted of child sexual offences.

The jail terms were given to men and woman for physical or sexual abuse of children and in some cases for possessing or making indecent images of children.

Cleveland Police’s CAVA Team (Child Abuse and Vulnerable Adults) is a team of highly trained specialist officers who work to protect the most vulnerable in our communities by identifying and dealing with anyone who preys on them.

CAVA detectives work sensitively with victim-survivors to build up a picture of what happened.

From the moment police receive a report, officers ensure victims and their family members are safeguarded and offered support, often with the help of local specialist agencies.

This continues right throughout the police investigation and until the end of any court process.

CAVA Detective Chief Inspector Matt Murphy-King said: “My officers investigate all allegations. Referrals come in from a variety of sources; through police enquiries, from survivors of abuse, their relatives and other third parties such as schools, youth workers and other organisations.

“Victims are always at the heart of investigations and their welfare is our absolute priority.”

Det Chief Insp Murphy-King explained that CAVA investigations can be lengthy and very complex, and his officers progress enquiries sensitively at a pace the victim feels comfortable with:

“There are often challenges in gathering evidence especially when the allegations relate to non-recent abuse, but my officers work very hard to build up a relationship of confidence and trust with the victim and they also make use of other resources like our digital forensic colleagues, the National Crime Agency and sometimes other UK force.  We all strive to collate the best possible evidence to present to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

“Once the CPS authorises charges, the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought before the courts where they’re dealt with - often receiving significant sentences. 

“In the majority of cases they’ll also be subject to stringent conditions and monitoring on their release, like being added to the sex offenders’ register or facing restrictions on their daily freedoms. This can reassure survivors further that it is worth reporting to police.”

Det Chief Insp Murphy King urged anyone who has experienced abuse, whether recent or non-recent as well as anyone who may have concerns about a child to come forward and contact police as soon as they can:

“You can contact Cleveland Police online via the website, or by phoning 101. My specialist officers will listen to you, they will believe you and they will support you.” 

You could also contact the NPSCC’s helpline www.nspcc.org.uk or speak anonymously to Crimestoppers: www.crimestoppers-uk.org (phone 0800 555 111).