Figures released by Thames Valley Police show a big increase in online child sexual abuse during the coronavirus lockdown. They said they had received 64 reports this March compared to 26 in March 2019. Detective Chief Inspector Matt Darnell said signs of abuse could be hard to spot with changes in a child’s behaviour mistakenly attributed to the change of routine during lockdown. He also added that parents and carers should trust their instincts and look out for signs of a child becoming secretive, distracted or withdrawn or protective around their social media.
