Graham said that the children are not only sexually abused and
exploited, but when an image is shared, they are being re-victimised.
Police in Scotland announced on
Friday that more than 500 children have been identified as potential
victims of online sexual abuse, while 77 people have been charged after a
police investigation.
Malcolm Graham, Scotland
Assistant Chief Constable, said in Edinburgh that the operation to
tackle online child sexual abuse resulted in the identification of more
than 500 children, aged between three and 18 years.
He
said the children were either victims or potential victims of online
predators, as well as the recovery of 30 million images of abuse, which
has resulted in the arrest of 77 people.
Graham
said that nearly 400 charges have been laid, including rape, sharing
indecent images of children and grooming for sexual purposes.
``Others are sexual extortion, indecent communication with children, possession of a firearm and drug offences.
The
officer lamented that online child sexual abuse is a national threat;
``the reality is that it is happening now, not only in Scotland, but
across the world, to children of all ages, from infants to teenagers.’’
Graham
said that the children are not only sexually abused and exploited, but
when an image or video clip is shared or viewed, they are being
re-victimised.
Mark McDonald, Scottish Childcare
and Early Years Minister, said that children and young people should be
able to enjoy and learn from the Internet.
He, however, said that they should ``know what to do and who to go to if they feel at risk.’’
He, however, said that they should ``know what to do and who to go to if they feel at risk.’’
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