Reports of child sex abuse increased 20 percent in four years

The number of reports of child sex abuse increased by 20 percent in four years, according to figures from the Monitor on Sexual Violence against Children 2020-2024. During that period, the number of reports registered by the police rose from 3,010 to 3,689 per year. Online sex abuse, such as grooming and the distribution of nude images, is particularly on the rise.

According to National Rapporteur Conny Rijken, online sex abuse is becoming more accessible to perpetrators. While online platforms play a role in combating this, it is not yet entirely clear what they’re doing in practice.

The number of reports of child sex abuse images has also increased. In 2024, there were over 70,000 reports. This is almost twice as many as in 2021. According to the report, this is because more children are producing images themselves under duress or deception.

Although many children who experience online sexual abuse or intimidation do not report it to the police, the monitor does note a clear increase in the number of reports. According to the researchers, the increase is not entirely negative: more public awareness appears to be lowering the threshold for talking about sexual abuse. Cases are also being prosecuted more often, and more suspects are appearing in court.

A significant number of suspects are children themselves. 26 percent of those reported to the police are under the age of 18.