Child abuse investigations in the West Midlands rise by 36 per cent

The statistics show that police investigated 1,003 reports of abuse in 2012/13, compared to 1,366 in 2013/14.

The figures were released by the NSPCC as part of a Freedom of Information request to all police forces.

The NSPCC and other police forces have attributed the rise to the so-called 'Jimmy Savile effect' ? the surge in historical abuse reports prompted by revelations about the paedophile and other high-profile figures encouraging victims to come forward.

Detective Chief Superintendent Danny Long, head of West Midlands Police's Public Protection Unit, the team responsible for child abuse investigations, said: "The Savile effect has undoubtedly prompted more people to speak out about abuse they suffered as a child. But that's not the only reason we're seeing a rise in our region.

"Here in the West Midlands we've seen the number of detectives dedicated to investigating abuse almost triple. We're also in our second year of Sentinel ? an initiative to raise awareness and increase reports of crimes which were once taboo."

Officer numbers in Public Protection-type roles have increased from 390 to 820 over the past two years.

Assistant Chief Constable Carl Foulkes, from West Midlands Police, said: "Locally and nationally there is no evidence to suggest that there are more instances of sexual offences being committed against young people.

"Historical abuse reports have led to a small increase in cases but a significant investment in Public Protection and better training for all West Midlands officers and staff are the main drivers for the rise.

"Sentinel ? our campaign to raise awareness of child abuse and other taboo crimes ? has also driven up reports by publicly proving our commitment to supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice."

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands David Jamieson said: "One case of child abuse is one too many. It is welcome that more people have the confidence to come forward, but we must continue to do more to tackle this issue.

"The way to tackle hidden crimes is to bring them out into the open. It is positive that we are talking about crimes like this, but I am under no illusions that there is still much to do."

Call police on 101 to report abuse or dial 999 if there are immediate concerns for the safety of a child.